Here’s why we love manga so much: Creator Madeleine Rosca spotted a famliar face in the latest chapter of Air Gear: Barack Obama. In Air Gear! An alert commenter translates the text in the balloon as “Why is it that on this night when I’m meeting such a lovely person, I have failed to bring [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

First set of photos from Cosfest 2008. Have decided to categorize the photos by anime where the characters are from. And the first set is from Air Gear! More pictures after the jump! Illegal Gathering I tell ya! A simple photo of the cosplayers from the Air Gear team! Mikan is missing from the picture ^^; Mikan #1 #2 #3 [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Bright pink hair, zipped down jump suit. She skates over and shows you her emblem. Will you take up her challenge for a duel of life and honour? The above picture (for the uninitiated, Mikan from Air Gear) was stolen from tassardar. Why was it stolen? Well that’s because I wasn’t there for this 2 days annual event that happened last weekend. There was work commitment on Saturday and Sunday was spent clicking my mouse on the Diablo 2 server. It was fun. Every second of it. ^^;So anyway enough about me. I read through most of the local anime bloggers’ coverage on the event and although the highlight was on Gundam Exia and KOS-MOS. both of them are great but for some reason I like this Mikan cosplayer the most. I admire her courage to pull this off and she was on inline-skates all day. Her feet must hurt like hell.Mikan from the manga which the cosplay outfit was based on.As recommded by you guys (and a girl), I’m reading the Air Gear manga now. Currently at chapter 12. ^^;
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

I’m guessing this is all part of the fallout between ADV and their licensing partner Sojitz as many of the titles on this list were on the list of suspended shows in February: 009-1 Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy Air Gear Air: The Movie Air TV Blade of the Phantom Master Comic Party: Revolution Coyote Ragtime Show Devil May Cry Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Photo taken by SqueeThe highlight of Day 2 of the Singapore Toy & Comic Con is without a doubt the anime cosplay competition. The stage area was packed with people with DSLRs of all shape and sizes. The Miku cosplayer on the right won 1st place. Her Ievan Polkka and Caramelldansen performance was very cute. Maybe one area of improvement I can suggest is to get a real leek instead of the artificial one she was carrying.Oh btw, no point for me to post photos of the different cosplayers here since many other bloggers has already has already done it so I will just point you to click here for their coverage should you be interested to see more pics. Thanks to Panther linking all the coverage from the gang and others up.Spotted this sexy back when I arrived at the hall. For the uninitiated, The lass is cosplaying as Soi Fong from Bleach. Used to be a Bleach fanboy and Soi Fong was my favourite taichou. Good thing I took this shot fast enough as shortly after this shot was taken, she put on her taichou robe and her sexy back was covered up.The lovely lazy with pink hair on the left is one of the judges for the cosplay competition. Have no ideas who she was cosplaying as initially so after doing some research, I found out that her character is Simca from Air Gear, an anime/manga about levitational Inline skater with moderate amount of fan service.Had no ideas who the other judge on the left was cosplaying as initially as well but after seeing a tail behind his back, I knew he was Hellboy.Pardon for the poor quality shot on this one as I was standing pretty far away from stage and had to zoom all the way in to take a shot. The poor lightning doesn’t help either.Simca from the anime. Watched one episode of the anime and two chapters of the manga last night. Was this on your watch list? Recommendable?
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Upon announcement of the Singapore Toys and Comics Convention, there was a shockwave sent throughout the Singaporean Otaku Community.This awakened many of the denizens of the Otaku World from their long slumber, and the call to arms was sounded.On the first day of the summoning, forces from many circles gathered. Shin of Atarashii Prelude arrived in full Kyon~ko fanboy mode, and Soshi from Tachikomatic Days so gracefully attended.Soon after, on the second day of the summoning, many were called, and many answered. Double, Head of NERV Singapore and Panther, Clan leader of Team Blue and Cynic Extraordinaire!Also summoned were Hirito, Doujin Connoisuer and KyoAni fanboy. Dead Snake, THE REAL SOLID SNAKE. Fariz Asuka, Miku's Official protector and *cough* FANBOY *cough*PP of Otakurean answered the summons, destroying all barriers and piercing through dimensions to arrive at the convention! Sam of Squee's Junkyard came too, in V-Kei fashion and all.And unexpectadly, divine intervention in the form of DARKMIRAGE descended upon the STCC. And truly a formidable force had been assembled.I spin you a yarn now, of a tale many have forgotten (possibly due to the absolutely outrageous queue wtf) and only some remember.So come closer, sit around the fire, and hear a tale of how the denizens of the Otaku Underworld rose to claim the mantle of the world.[END EPIC TALE HERE]AND HERE'S HOW IT REALLY WENT.At 1.30 pm, I met the Lord Cynic extraordinaire, Panther, along with Sam and a friend of mine, all ready for the convention, at City Hall MRT.Arriving at the event, it was prettty much like Day 1, except maybe a little better managed. (The queue wan't a bloody anaconda, at the very least.)Upon sighting of cosplayers, epic outdoorshots were taken, but not by me, as my Camera and my Shaky Hands are MADE of fail.I took indoor shots instead, since many of the cosplayers were concentrated inside, at any rate.However, I did manage to get this shot of the fighting legion of the 501st. Seeing as I always used to love Star Wars (and still do) to take a picture of the series' most iconic cannon fodder was not to be missed ^^But, that aside, let's begin proper, shall we?Gundam done THREE KINGDOMS STYLECurteosy of Bandai Ent!AS YOU SAY GOOD SIR.(Also, this is shooped, and therefore it said NOT TOUCH)Also on display by Bandai Ent were figurines! From Neon Genesis Evangelion!Shielding an INVISIBLE SHINJI FROM A INVISIBLE RAMMIEL.LANCE OF LONGINUS AND BLUE PAINT GET!I forgot what booth this was. orzRei + Lance = STICKITIN.Onto the actual cosplay ^^Naruto compels you to watch Animax! DO EET NAO.Seriously, out of most of the cosplayers there, my hat goes off to whoever played Hatsune Miku, seriously.I was never a huge Voc@loid fan, not as much as Fariz at any rate, but still, it was awesome cosplay. She even got down Japanese for her self-introduction at the Cosplay Competition! Two frikkin' thumbs up!The costume's detal was pretty frickin' good too. HER SLEEVES PULSE WITH LIGHT. WINNAR.IMO, she deserved the Cosplay Competition's first placing. WELL DESERVED MIKU-CHAN, YOU'VE ATTAINED YOUR HAPPINESS.CONGRATS MIKU-CHAN ^^Sakura and Syaorun from CardCaptor Sakura!CLOW CARDS BE WHAR?This picture. It has won.Help me ID what character he is and you get a cookie.I KNEW IT.SAVE THE SOUL OF THIS PITIFUL AKUMA.LEEKSABER.DON'T MESS WITH POWA.Simca from Air Gear as a Judge!MAI WAHHHFUUUUUUU~ Also, HAI SHIRLEY.And that's a wrap! Pretty decent cosplay and a well-deserved winner! A success for a first time, even if crowd control and event management need to get their act together.And then it's COSFEST next week, at DOWNTOWN EAST. HOPEFULLY MY OTHER WAIFUS KAGAMI AND REI WILL BE THAR. ^^
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Well, today was better than yesterday, not the least of which was because we got there just on time for the cosplay competition around 2 PM in a group, and not to mention we spent almost all of our time in the cosplayer's area just snapping away. Unfortunately for me, my "Indoor" function sucked to high heaven and beyond. There was a lot of noise in the pictures, and I do not feel up to editing them in Photoshop since I have no idea how to go about it exactly, or that I have an idea but might make it worse and refuse to try.Stormtrooper at the walkway.Some disclaimers before we move on, as well as a request for advice. I am currently using an Olympus Stylus 760 and would like some advice regarding taking indoor and outdoor shots. I am planning on using Cuisine (still photography) function all the way since that has, so far, given me the best results both in- and outdoors. But if there is also a way to improve any indoor and outdoor shoot, I would like to hear it. Cuisine is mainly for figure photoshoots, and I hardly use the flash either, but the noise this time round has disturbed me way too much, and I would like to know how to improve in order to be prepared for Cosfest 2008, which is just next weekend.The stormtroopers at the walkway.I am also well aware that cosplayers have all the right to ask me to remove their photos, so if you find any not suited to your liking and would like me to remove it, please do send me an email at pantherrh -at- gmail -dot- com or leave me a comment in this post, or leave a remark in my chatbox. All these ways are possible. Some of these photos were taken from Dead Snake's set and I will be in charge of contacting him if you would like any of his photos removed. If you would like to request the hi-res version of any of these pictures, I am very sorry but in hi-res all of them sucked. I am pretty sure my friends all have better ones. Many thanks to Dead Snake for allowing me the use of his pictures.The initial group. From left to right the back row consists of Double, CI, me, Squee, and Hirito. The person squatting in front is Dead Snake. So, on to the event itself, and my take on it. For the first day's coverage, click here. This is a photo-intensive post again, so you have been warned beforehand. I know as well that the picture used at the top was the same poster as I mentioned yesterday, but this was a different shot taken from today. I know, freaking unoriginal.Close-up of the troopers. They were just waiting to shoot.We surged from the train station to the spot of the convention once more, this time making more headway as we were there late compared to yesterday, and we already knew we were going to skip the booths. Fariz and Biggu Gai were there way ahead of us, and I think half the time during the convention they were spending their time queuing up for some item or other, seriously.We were testing out photos outside the convention of a few cosplayers, none of mine from this stage in time survived, so here are DS'. I did however take some of the stormtroopers we met in the walkway.Nekomimi. Not sure if she was cosplaying any character.A first look at the Hatsune Miku cosplayer. Miku is from Vocaloid, for those not in the know.We then went in and I proceeded to set the Wii girl mentioned yesterday up the bomb. I shall leave this for last.Squee at work.Of course on the way to the stage area for the main event, the cosplay competition, several of us were happily snapping away. I took a few shots at this time, and also found out from Fariz the poster I wanted from yesterday (shown at the top of this post) was not for sale. Damn. If anyone knows where this picture can be found on the Net, do inform me thanks.Over at Imaginary Friends Studio. I heard this picture of the girl with headphones sold like hotcakes. I have the picture as a wall somewhere, I am sure, taken off 4Chan /w/. Taken at a booth selling Chinese-styled art, I believe. I forgot to take a look at the name.Taken at the same booth as above. Lavender shot!And once at the stage area, we were overwhelmed by the number of people who were actually there, putting any possibilities of a good shot of the stage instantly worthless. So we then moved to the right side area, where I first spotted some cosplayers, and the remainder of the time at the event was spent here, because all the cosplayers were here almost the entire competition. You heard right. While lining up, or after finishing their presentation on-stage, they were always in this area, along with their bags, and stuff, and all. In fact near the end of the competition the place grew really crowded, and there were like, hundreds of photographers or something. Moving around was difficult, let alone taking a good shot.Anyway here are the cosplayers that I took shots of, and DS' for the ones I was unable to take better ones of. Note that I only took the best out of my album to put here, if you want to view the rest of the lousy pictures, head on over to my album. Click on images to enlarge.Hatsune Miku! Her voice really sounded like Miku when she started singing too. Kawaii~koe.You do not mess with a special ops person holding a shotgun. He looked like a character right out of Vegas 2.Someone identified him as being from Yakitake! Japan, this was confirmed by CK. Can anyone pass me his name? Because this guy was awesome. He also made it into top ten. Great stuff, sporting guy.Lenalee from D.Gray-man.2 lolitas that went to a corner of my suggestion, more on this later. Sadly enough, after this shoot they disappeared, and I never got to take one of the black-clothed one alone. Jedi with lightsabers......who were owned.Photo of the victors. No idea who they were either.Kallen and someone else from Code Geass series. I have no idea the orange-haired one is actually in the series despite watching it. Did she get the hair color wrong? This event proudly sponsored by the Empire. (Hanif's quote)What the hell am I doing with this afro dude...Yeah you're not bad yourself, afro.Vader on his inspection rounds.Very lousy picture of this cosplayer, unfortunately, for this was the best I could do. Identification is required. One of the more tired ones at the event too. Animax balloon wins. We nearly took it down by accident at one point."Oh my, what a bright flash you have!" Character from Vampire Knight Squee said, name is required. I also took a picture with her, she was one of the cuter cosplayers around, but the picture was taken by Squee. I hang out with angels, yo.The female judge. More on her below.I only remember the runner-up and the champion of the cosplay competition, who were Lenalee and Miku respectively, so yeah. We also took a small group shot with Miku but I do believe Squee took it for us and so we have to wait for his shots.We left the event right after the competition except for the queuing gang. Also Gordon kept missing the girl he wanted to take pictures of, who even posed for us and stuff. She arrived, he had left. He arrived, she had left. She was the female judge whom Hanif identified as being a cosplay from the series Air Gear, but I am not sure who she is since I never touched that series. Was it Noyamano Ringo, anyone know? She was the girl with the pink hair and a black cap above.A close-up of the female judge.Feel free to identify the cosplayers that I did not manage to above, thanks in advance. There was also an ultra hilarious shot of "Thousand Years of Pain" from Naruto, but I had bad shots of it and would rather wait for someone's better shot.We had "afternoon tea" nearby at Marina Square, then we decided to walk back and met up with the queuing gang, and all of us walked to Bugis for dinner. I did finally play with Zer0kage later on at Bugis, and after fun games with him and other folks I left for home.Cutie who said she was not cosplaying when I asked for a picture. I said, "It's ok." And she was forced to put down all her bags and stuff and allow me to take just two pictures of her. Oh man am I ebil. Thanks for the shots girl! You could have easily passed for a cosplayer at the event haha. Overall today was indeed better. Too bad the poster was not for sale.And finally, the G that I set up the poor Wii girl with. I spotted her and asked the folks with me to take pictures of her. It so happened that she was helping some kids learn how to play on the Wii, and so she was facing away from anyone who saw her from the front of the booth. The only way was to go around to a free side, so I advised them to do that. And immediately after that, I see so many photographers suddenly clustered together with the gang taking pictures of her. And the whole time she was unable to do anything except help the girl and try to pose whenever possible. Ah, kawaii. I took none of her since I was sure none of my shots would do her justice, so here are DS'.Hanif was saying that next time we should try out a random shot of some person with 2-3 of us going to take pics and find out if a whole bunch of photographers would follow just to take pics. Certainly there were quite a few pics taken today that seemed to be this case. One was the lolita duo shown above, I asked the black-clothed one for pictures, and we moved to a corner upon my suggestion, much to my regret since the lighting was seriously bad. Immediately we had a crowd of photographers upon reaching. WTF?I don't know this guy...I met quite a few new peeps today. Windbell was there with a friend, whom Squee recognized, and I also met with AK, PP and Rokku. DarkMirage was also there with us and Double almost the entire time. Thanks for meeting up with me and the rest of us folks, appreciate whenever we can really get out and hope you guys can also join us in future outings and events and the like.Why am I forced to take shots with this afro dude again and again...Anyway. this convention had poor management at the start, and the events themselves at the convention were hardly worth mentioning. It did make for a good attempt at a first try, but seriously, the management had plenty of lessons to learn from. Next time, more lighting is needed, better space, etc.Preparing for Cosfest,PantherPS: Someone identify the character the guy was cosplaying, of the one taking shots with the afro guy with a fan. Team Blue's post has links to the other blogs that have covered the event so far.
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

I didnt check my blog stats but probably all my visitor think this blog is dead or probably dead.Havent got the time and energy to update since I start working. At the moment, I got about 6-7 projects on hand and practically exhausted most of the evening when I reached home.Anyway, I finally start assembling the MG Gundam Destiny which my bro gave me as a birthday gift back in Feb. Finished the body and the right arm.Currently watching only a few anime like; Code Geas R2, Soul Eater and Macross. Just pick up Dragon Destiny Guardian (Gee, they didnt even bother to sensor this time). By the way, over the last few months, I watched through One Piece, 359 chapters of them!As for manga, still the same; Cross Game and Tsubasa Chronicles. Glad that Hatsukoi Limited has finished, not really a fan apart from the female character designs. As usual, Conan and AMG are long-winded series that belong to never-ending story catergory. Air Gear, I only browse through when very bored.Ok, to the purpose of this post. Remember when 4 Mega Pixels was such a high-edge technology back in around 4 years ago? back then, 3.2M was the norm and I bought the Ixus 40 of 4Mpixels. It has served me very well, especially when I take photos of kids and need to be fast. Well, it has been years and I have decided to get a new one, an IXUS 85 IS, the slimest canon so far. It's a 10 Megapixel digital camera with latest tech such as image stabilizer, motion detectionand image noise reduction. I have also asked my bro to get an 8Gb SDHC memory card. Maybe I'll retake my figure or Gundam shot in near future to see the difference. ^^So a tribute to my old camera and a welcome to my new camera.
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

I was pretty surprised when I saw in my GoStats account that someone searched for "Panther's preorders" as a searchphrase. Albeit only one person, but I feel honored. In any case I was planning to do this for some time, but yeah, I had other things to talk about and all. Still, since next week is expected to be hectic for me and I feel like not blogging about any important, this post today will be about my preorders up till October so far, as well as wishlist, if you are interested in knowing what I will be getting.Quite frankly at the start of the year I did not expect that I will make this many preorders. Appalling. Well, here goes. Pictures are taken from various sources and I will thank the various sources in the pictures' captions themselves.Wishlist is at the bottom, and I will be going by month for confirmed preorders. Links to the respective figure makers are in the right sidebar if you wish to peruse their official sites (all in Japanese). You can also buy these figures from respected online dealers, their links are also in the right sidebar. Be forewarned, this is an intensive picture post.June 2008If I do not have it, despite it already waiting for me somewhere, it is a preorder. That is my principle. Even if by the time this post autoposts, I have it, I am considering it a preorder at the time I post it. So sue me for being a prick.Image thanks to AkibaHobby's review. Name: Elwing la SylphisSeries: Shining WindScale: 1/8Manufacturer: KotobukiyaRelease date: 9th June 2008Already out, yes. She was released well ahead of schedule, from the 25th it was moved forward to the 9th. No idea why. I will actually have her by the time this is posted though, since she already is waiting for me at La Tendo. According to Jon, the figure is twice as good as she looks in photos. In other words, photos do not do her justice. I will know when I get her. By the way, she will be the Figure of the Month for July, look forward to it.Image thanks to Shimbori's baron pavilion. Via AkibaHobby.Name: YokoSeries: Tengen Toppa Gurren-LagannScale: 1/7Manufacturer: Enterbrain Inc. (Wafudo)Release date: 31st May 2008Yep, also already out. I would be getting her by the time this posted if not for La Tendo's supplier forgetting to somehow put her in this week's shipment, like WTF. So I will only receive her next week. I have seen quite a few reviews already, she really was well done and I stick by my view of this being the best Yoko figure to date. Space Yoko (see below) is looking to fight with her though, but currently, this one is the best of the lot for me.July 2008A month I hate. Seriously. Still, there are figures coming in as well for this month, so yeah.Image thanks to Orchid Seed's official site for her. Name: Mizuho KazamiSeries: Onegai SenseiScale: 1/7Manufacturer: Orchid SeedRelease date: 25th JulyOne of the first figures I got to know about this year that I must have. Unfortunately I already bought another Mizuho beforehand, but I am thinking that I shall have no regrets with this one. She looks fantastic, though Orchid Seed's scale sizing is a little weird; at 1/7 she will only be some 10 cm tall. I wonder how big is their 1/7 exactly. I still have yet to watch the series heh.Image thanks to DC.com.Name: Noyamano Ringo (Hentai Ver.)Series: Air GearScale: Non-scaledManufacturer: YamatoRelease date: JulyUnknown release date because I suck at Japanese and cannot search for her on Amazon JP. She wears so little, I just had to get her, despite not even planning on watching the series at all. Screw the bag though, not interested in those. This one will surely raise more than a few eyebrows for most people, but I like it. That is the most important thing.August 2008The month of Wonder Festival 2008 Summer. At this point in time nothing has been announced that has even bothered to tickle my fancy, and I am hoping none will be, because I seriously would be spending too much. Aside from Wonfes, here are the figures coming out that I am getting in August.Image thanks to AkibaHobby. Name: Kanu Uncho (Nekomimi Ver.)Series: Ikkitousen Dragon DestinyScale: 1/7Manufacturer: GriffonRelease date: 25th AugustWee. Neko Kanu? Get. I like only Kanu from the Ikkitousen series and quite frankly I gave up 3 episodes into the second season. Just not my type despite the fanservice. The neko one is so cute though, but what is up with Chibi Ryuubi and Zhang Fei (forgot name in Japanese)? Bah. An expensive figure as well.Image thanks to GA Graphic.Name: String Bikini GirlSeries: NoneScale:Manufacturer: Solid TheaterRelease date: AugustAgain, unknown release date due to nubnesty on my part. This one was originally not on my get-list, but guess what? Ero-ecchi wins. Some more blue hair. I need to do something about myself.September 2008Singularly the most important month this year for figures other than Wonfes due to a certain figure, as you will see below.Image thanks to AkibaHobby's sample review. Name: Ira Blanc Neige GardeniasSeries: Shining WindScale: 1/8Manufacturer: KotobukiyaRelease date: 25th SeptemberI mentioned several times before Blanc Neige's Shining Wind outfit was a must-have. And here it is. September! I will be using all my points from La Tendo to redeem her. I had enough. I must have her. Mai waifu.Image thanks to DC.com. Name: Mitsuki Hayase (Bikini)Series: Kimi ga Nozomu EienScale: 1/8Manufacturer: Good Smile CompanyRelease date: SeptemberNoobnesty once more, so no actual release date. Sometimes they also move forward or delay it, so whatever. Another figure I want before watching the anime. I hear she is not well-liked, but blue hair plus slipping bikini? Yes. I do have the series, and I plan on watching it...whenever.October 2008Figure preorders for this month are still incoming. Right now I only have one confirmed preorder for this month.Image thanks to Wcloudxkumo. Name: AyaSeries: Oneechanbara VorteXScale: 1/7Manufacturer: AlterRelease date: OctoberUnknown release date yet again. However even though I already have a previous version of Aya (which I am selling, look here if interested), I far prefer this one. Blame Alter for telling us late they are coming up with one. Their works are fantastic. This one is no exception. Preordered.WishlistWhether released or not, these figures are ones I definitely want, but for some reason or other have been unable to preorder them, or they have not been opened for reservation yet. Also included are preorders I made that somehow have not arrived.Image thanks to Amazon JP. Name: Kotona EleganceSeries: Zoids GenesisScale: 1/7Manufacturer: Max FactoryRelease date: Sometime in March this yearYep, she has been out for a long time now, but she is going quite pricey here. I might wait for La Tendo to get her in stock...though I wonder how long that will be, seriously. This is a great figure of Kotona, the series was decent.Image thanks to AkibaHobby's sample review. Name: MaoSeries: Shining WindScale: 1/8Manufacturer: KotobukiyaRelease date: 25th JulyLa Tendo tells me they will have her in stock but not up for preorder. What a shock. That means I am getting her as a off-the-shelf item, that will suck since I will not get a 10% member preorder discount. Bah. One of the Wind figures I am also getting. I do not have her swimsuit counterpart by Max Factory, and do not feel like getting it anyway.Image thanks to Tsuki-board.Name: Arin (Transparent)Series: PangyaScale: 1/8Manufacturer: Solid TheaterRelease date: Sometime in 2007Yep, found out about her by chance in La Tendo. Figure reserved and set aside for me and by the time this posts I will already have her. I prefer the normal to the limited version though, since the limited version is...weird in color scheme. No, I am never playing Pangya. But in contrast to the game, this one looks less moe, less loli. Always good, that.Image thanks to HobbySearch.Name: Imari KurumiSeries: Bible BlackScale: 1/8Manufacturer: MiyabiyaRelease date: March 2008Another released figure that I already saw locally but not yet arrived at La Tendo. I wonder when she will be coming. The only figure from Bible Black I would get. Imari is hawt. They could have done better though.Image thanks to Wcloudxkumo once again.Name: Yoko (Space Ver. Limited)Series: Tengen Toppa Gurren-LagannScale: 1/8Manufacturer: WaveRelease date: October 2008On the wishlist, Yoko Space Ver. limited looks cool. This one is from the second part of Gurren-Lagann. I am still hesitant on getting her, due to financial as well as other considerations. But if I do get her, I would get the limited one, since transparent back is better and cooler. And cooler is awesomer.Image thanks to Neko Magic.Name: Takami RinSeries: Lyrical Lyric (eroge)Scale: 1/7Manufacturer: Solid TheaterRelease date: September 2008Well, WTF. She just got announced, and I want her already. Her bikini is castoff-able, I assume that means that the bikini is of soft material. Still, lol. Yeah I know, I need to stop pwning myself. And I realize that a lot of my preorders are from ST this year. Hmm.And that is my current preorder and wishlist! I know, huge. One wonders how I get the money to buy them too. I need to stop spending so much. Then again, without these figures, and what they represent for me, I wonder what else I could live on, sometimes.Pandora left one thing trapped inside her box.The only good thing in Pandora's box, was Hope,Panther
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

For me, the best way to guess how good a coming anime will be, is by looking at its staff: the director and writers and animation director and sound director, and so on. People who have made good shows before tend to make good shows again.I sometimes start watching a show for its voice actors, but I can't keep watching unless the staff builds a good show around them. Even genre or story outline or character design do not predict as well as staff.The following previews give highlights of staff and cast for 30 upcoming summer shows, as well as story outlines, pictures, and links to preview videos, where available.Here are the shows, in the order of their first broadcasts. Times are given in Japanese TV listing style: "26:00 Thursday" means Friday morning at 2 a.m. Titles in red are shows I myself find particularly interesting:Ikkitousen - Great Guardians.一騎当千 Great Guardians.A new series of ecchi Ikkitousen. If you don’t like seeing pantsu and breasts, don't watch this one. The story revolves around three schools that fight each other and is loosely based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.A great cast includes Asano Masumi, Kaida Yuko, Horie Yui, Nabatame Hitomi, Inoue Kikuko, and Hino Satoshi.This show has basically the same staff as the first series, but with a new writer, Akaboshi Masanao (Sadamitsu the Destroyer; Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry).Broadcasts have already started. anim: Arms. subs: Arthemis, Chihiro, Nightshade-yesy. forum. preview. 09:30 wed11jun.Telepathy Girl Ranテレパシー少女 蘭.What draws me to this show is Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star, Sakuya in Candy Boy, Blair in Soul Eater) in her first real starring role. Alongside Seki Tomokazu, no less, and supported by Ueda Kana. Maybe that seiyuu award actually meant something. At least it may have got Emirin more good roles."Telepathy Shoujo Ran is a story of personal growth and friendship. Isozaki Ran is an energetic junior high school student who happens to have ESP but doesn't realize it until she meets Naha Midori. Strange events start happening after she learns of her new powers, so she decides to investigate them together with Midori and her childhood friend Ayase Roi." (from Toua, on AnimeSuki) From a series of children's novels.The director is so unknown that I can’t even find the pronunciation of his name. 大宙征基 could be Takahiro Seiki or Hiromichi Seiki. He appears to be a storyboard specialist, having storyboarded episodes of Legend of the Galactic Heroes and Pani Poni Dash. But this appears to be his first directing job. anim: Tom's Entertainment. subs: Nocturnal/DFC. 18:25 sat21jun.Ultraviolet: Code 044ウルトラヴァイオレットコード044Paku Romi stars in a series directed by famous old-time director Dezaki Osamu, who directed Ashita no Joe, Ace wo Nerae, Rose of Versailles, the AIR and Clannad movies, a number of Lupin III shows and the great yuri melodrama Oniisama-e.The main character '044' is a female warrior who is genetically engineered with high combat skills and ordered by the government to annihilate a vampire army. (from anidb)With production from Sony Pictures, I expect high production values. And I expect Paku Romi to be in her element, aided by Tomokazu Seki and Koyama Rikiya. Madhouse. 12eps. subs: Moetaku? Ureshii? forum. preview. 22:00 tue01jul.Slayers RevolutionスレイヤーズREVOLUTIONThe fourth series in the Slayers franchise, which began in the early 1990s.The big deal here for me is the return of Hayashibara Megumi in the starring role of Lina Inverse, the same starring role she has played in all the other Slayers shows. And as usual, she also sings the OP and ED. Ishida Akira and Midorikawa Hikaru also return, and Kobayashi Yumiko joins the cast.Director Watanabe Takeshi is now even better known for the Shakugan no Shana series than for Slayers. anim: JC Staff. 26?eps. subs: Mishicorp, Toki. forum. preview (OP). 25:20 wed02jul.Mahō Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora魔法遣いに大切なこと ���夏のソラ���One of my picks to click this summer, a new series of the delightful Someday's Dreamers. The story follows a new young mage in training, in a Tokyo where magic is an official public service.The new anime comes with a new director, a new studio, and a new cast, but the same writer: Yamada Norie, who wrote the original manga and anime. That gives me comfort, and the rest of the staff and cast make me optimistic, too.Someday's Dreamers was from JC Staff, this new anime is from Hal Film Maker. It is directed by Kobayashi Osamu, who did BECK and Paradise Kiss, two very good shows, but very different in tone from the original Someday's Dreamers.The new anime stars the wonderful Hanazawa Kana (Sora in Sketchbook), who is in the running for moe-est voice in anime. With her is Maeno Tomoaki, who is very good as Doujou in Library Wars. Inoue Marina, Koyama Rikiya, Namikawa Daisuke, and Takahashi Mikako are also on board. Music by Hakata Takefumi (Someday's Dreamers, Vampire Knight). anim: HAL Film Maker. subs: White Light, Mellow? Formula? forum. preview. 26:40 wed02jul.Strike WitchesストライクウィッチーズI sure hope this show is okay, since it has an outstanding cast: starring the so-far somewhat ordinary Fukuen Misato, but extremely well supported by Chiba Saeko, Nazuka Kaori, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tanaka Rie, Saitou Chiwa, Koshimizu Ami, and Kadowaki Maii. Whew, what a list.On the surface, it looks like a rerun of the 2006 OVA and of Sky Girls: girls flying light mecha in battle. But the staff is completely different, except for the character designer, and this show is by Gonzo rather than JC Staff. I liked Sky Girls, but my hopes for this show are not high.Director Takamura Kazuhiro is new, but did character design and animation for Mahoromatic and This Ugly Yet Beautiful World. Writer Tamai Tsuyoshi did Inukami. Humiane Shimada is the original creator and did character design for both this and Sky Girls. anim: Gonzo. subs: Live-eviL, Moetaku? forum. preview (2006 OVA). thu03jul.Antique Bakery西洋骨董洋菓子店 ���アンティーク���Keiichirou quits his job on a whim and starts a traditional Western-style patisserie. His father hires an expert patissier who turns out to be a gay acquaintance of Keiichirou's from high school.Director Okumura Yoshiaki has nothing more to recommend him than Bakkyuu HIT! Crash Bedaman, but writer Takahashi Natsuko did the adaptations of Moyashimon and Blue Drop.Miyano Mamoru, Miki Shinichirou, and Fujiwara Keiji make a great main cast.The story is from a novel, was a successful TV drama in 2001, and has been made into a film in Korea this year. It's the Noitamina show this season. anim: Nippon Animation, Shirogumi. 12?eps. subs: Yoroshiku. 24:45 thu03jul.Hidamari Sketch x 365ひだまりスケッチ×365Season two of the excellent slice-of-life art-school comedy from Shinbou Akiyuki and Shaft.Kugimiya Rie, Fukuen Misato, and Sawashiro Miyuki are added to the cast, which already included Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, and Matsuki Miyu. anim: Shaft. subs: SpoonSubs. forum. 25:25 thu03jul.Birdy the Mighty - Decode鉄腕バーディー　DECODEA new take on gender-bending, as a hapless shounen is accidentally killed but survives by becoming merged with a glamorous interplanetary agent. Remake of the 1996 OVA.Chiba Saeko proves there is seiyuu work after marriage with the starring role of Birdy the agent. And we get to hear Itou Kanae in her first role since helping make Shugo Chara a hit. Irino Miyu and Fujiwara Keiji round out an attractive main cast.Directed by Akane Kazuki, director of Noein and Escaflowne. Written by Ohnogi Hiroshi, who did Noein and Aquarion. Music by Kanno Yuugo, who did Toshokan Sensou and Hataraki Man. Top sound director Aketagawa Jin (Ichigo Mashimaro, KimiKiss, Genshiken) rounds out a solid staff.I have high hopes for this one. anim: A-1 Pictures (Ookiku Furikabutte, Persona). 13eps. subs: Orange-Side, Infinite-Zero, Moetaku? forum. preview. 25:00 fri04julRyoko's Case File薬師寺涼子の怪奇事件簿Another promising show. Based on a series of light novels written by Tanaka Yoshiki and illustrated by Kakinouchi Narumi. The story revolves around Ryouko Yakushiji, brilliant and madly energetic multilingual investigator with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Ryoko not only has to deal with supernatural beings, but also with her rival Yukiko, another talented and beautiful police investigator. (from anidb)Director Iwasaki Tarou is new, but he has done episodes and storyboards for shows like Fullmetal Alchemist, Ookiku Furikabutte, and Ghost Hound. Writer Kawasaki Hiroyuki is an old hand who wrote The Irresponsible Captain Tylor and Sakura Wars. The original novel is by Tanaka Yoshigi, who wrote Legend of the Galactic Heroes. We have some interesting names writing this show.The cast is also interesting, with Nabatame Hitomi in the lead role, backed up by Kuwashima Houko, Fukuen Misato, Kiuchi Hidenobu, and Nojima Kenji.Japanese title: Yakushiji Ryouko no Kaiki Jikenbo. anim: Dogakobo. 13eps. subs: Hitode-AnimeSS, Infinite-Zero? forum. preview. 24:30 sat05jul.SekireiセキレイPromising fanservice anime (this is not an oxymoron) about a loser on whom one day a busty miko drops from the sky. She moves in with him, in the midst of constant fighting with other similarly well-endowed creatures, all of whom are "sekirei" fighters.Extremely attractive cast stars brilliant 17-year-old Hayami Saori, along with other outstanding young voices such as Inoue Marina, Hanazawa Kana, and Endou Aya. Directed by Kusukawa Keizou, who directed Inukami and the two most recent Nanoha series. Anime adaptation by Yoshioka Takao (DearS, Elfen Lied, Yoshinaga's Gargoyle, Sky Girls).I'll be watching this for Hayamin, who sounds t0 me in the preview as if she has taken another step forward. She and her fellow seiyuu -- all of whom are good singers -- do the OP and ED. Sound director Aketagawa Jin (Genshiken, Ichigo Mashimaro, Honey & Clover, etc.) will make sure we get the best from the cast. anim: Seven Arcs (Nanoha series, Inukami). subs: Moetaku? Tsundere Built My Hotrod. forum. preview. 25:35 sat05jul.Zero no Tsukaima - Princess Rondoゼロの使い魔 ���三美姫の輪舞���ZnT never did much for me, but it did enough for a lot of people that it is now getting its third season.Kou Yuu, who directed the second series, is back again. This time, Hasegawa Nahoko, who adapted Hidamari Sketch, is the lead writer.And we have a similar cast back, featuring Kugimiya Rie and Hino Satoshi as the leads, with Horie Yui as everyone's favorite maid, Siesta. Noto Mamiko joins the main cast, too, as Tiffania Westwood. anim: J.C. Staff. 13eps. subs: Toki. forum. 24:30 sun06jul.Neo Angelique Abyss: Second Ageネオ アンジェリーク Abyss -Second Age-The best Angelique series ever gets an immediate second season. The infusion of new production blood, especially from the staff of Corda D'Oro, gave this series a new lease on life.Endou Aya helped, too, continuing a remarkable year that has also given her starring roles in the new Mai-Otome Sifr OVA and in Macross Frontier. And she will be ably supported here by a bevy of top male seiyuu, likely continuing to include Takahashi Hiroki, Ohkawa Toru, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ono Daisuke, et al. anim: Yumeta. subs: Strawberry-Mint. 26:00 sun06jul.Natsume Yuujin Chou夏目友人帳Natsume Takashi keeps secret his ability to see spirits. However, once he inherits a strange book that belonged to his deceased grandmother, he discovers the reason why spirits surround him: a binding contract was formed between the spirits and the owner of the book. Now Natsume is determined to free the spirits and dissolve the contracts. With the help of a spirit cat, his days are filled trying to return the names to these spirits. The show is apparently based on good research into folk mythology.This is one of the most attractive shows of the summer: the director of Koi Kaze, Jigoku Shoujo, and Baccano; the writer of Ai Yori Aoshi, Jigoku Shoujo, and Zetsubou Sensei.The cast of actors includes Kamiya Hiroshi in the lead, with Kobayashi Sanae, Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, and Itou Miki. Inoue Kazuhiko (Gorou in Moonlight Mile) is the cat. anim: Brains Base. subs: Nocturnal/Black Lotus, ainex?. forum. preview. 25:00 mon07julMission-EMission-EA sequel to the charming but awkward and forgettable Code-E. Five years after Code-E, Chinami is in an organization aiming to integrate people with her powers into society.Director Kato Toshiyuki did Full Moon wo Sagashite, as well as Code-E.Voices include Hashimoto Mai, Nazuka Kaori, Mizuno Risa, Momoi Halko, and Kamiya Hiroshi. anim: Studio Deen. subs: Subbers Anonymous. forum. preview. 25:05 mon07julWorld Destruction: Sekai Bokumetsu no Rokuninワールド・デストラクション ���世界撲滅の六人���I've gone off Production IG. Their shows tend to be beautiful but boring. But this show is still one of the most intriguing of the season. A great cast stars Sakamoto Maaya and Miyano Mamoru, with Ono Daisuke and Kobayashi Yu in supporting roles.Director Tada Shunsuke did Prince of Tennis National Tournament and Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations. Writer Yokotani Masahiro did Reideen.Based on a DS RPG by SEGA. The game centers on a youth who secretly possesses the power to destroy the world. He is forced to join a party that aims not to save the world, but to eradicate it and start anew.On a desert planet, a fateful meeting between a good-hearted wandering boy and a positive, determined girl. Then they and a "hard-boiled" mini-bear alien set off to destroy the world, for its own good. anim: Production IG. 13eps. subs: Orange-Side, Nocturnal, Yoroshiku, Toki. forum. preview. 25:30 mon07jul.Koihime†Musou恋姫†無双Get ready for an all-moe retelling of the Romance of the three Kingdoms. It gives me pause that it is written by Go Zappa (Chokotto Sister, Myself;Yourself). And that the chief animator and character designer is Oshima Miwa (Cosmopolitan Prayers, Love Love). But it is directed by Nakanishi Nobuaki (Kasimasi, Sumomo mo Momo mo)The seiyuu are neither young nor well-known, but are experienced game seiyuu. This worked for ef, perhaps it will work here.Not very promising, but anything based on the Three Kingdoms is worth a look. anim: Dogakobou (Myself;Yourself). 12eps. subs: Serin, DFC, Hitode? forum. 26:00 thu08jul.Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu乃木坂春香の秘密Yuko discovers that school princess, Nogizaka Haruka, is actually an otaku. He keeps her secret and they become friends. Based on a series of light novels.Wonderful cast stars Noto Mamiko, with Satou Rina, Shimizu Kaori, Ueda Kana, Matsuki Miyu, Nabatame Hitomi, and Takagi Reiko.Should be funny…and ecchi. Director Nawa Munenori did Otome wa Boku ni Koi wo Shiteru. The writer who adapted the novels (Tsuyoshi Tamai) did the same for Inukami. anim: Studio Barcelona (Kodomo no Jikan). subs: Moetaku. forum. 26:00 thu10julBlade of the Immortal無限の住人"To end his eternal suffering, he must slay one thousand foes!" Manji, a ronin warrior of feudal Japan, has been cursed with immortality. To rid himself of this curse and end his life of misery, he must slay one thousand evil men. His quest begins when a young girl seeks his help in taking revenge on her parents' killers…. Based on a seinen manga by Samura Hiroaki, serialised in Afternoon." (anidb)Bee Train and Mashimo Kouichi (.hack shows, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle) are back with a high-concept samurai show from what appears to be a very strong (and bloody) manga.Seki Tomokazu and Satou Rina will be great as the leads, ably supported by such names as Konishi Katsuyuki, Noto Mamiko, Toyoguchi Megumi, Miki Shinichirou, and Sakamoto Maaya. anim: Bee Train. subs: Live-eviL. forum. preview. 24:00 sun13julMahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~魔法先生ネギま������白き翼 ALA ALBA���Three episodes of summer holidays with Negi and the girls. Directed by the man himself, Shinbou Akiyuki. But this time, for the first time, the lead writer for the anime is Akamatsu Ken, the original mangaka. So I look forward to seeing what differences in tone and story might appear this time.The same cast return, including Satou Rina as Negi and all the rest, but with the addition of Ono Daisuke and Inoue Marina.I'm not perfectly certain of the date this will appear. MoonPhase says July 17, but the official site says ep1 will be 12aug, ep2 17nov, and ep3 17feb of next year. anim: Shaft. OVA, 1of3eps. forum. preview (via Moetron). thu17jul.School Rumble Sangakkiスクールランブル三学期Hirano Aya joins the established cast, which already includes Horie Yui, Noto Mamiko, Koshimizu Ami, and Takahashi Hiroki, among others. Since Ami and Aya are two of my favorite seiyuu, I look forard to hearing them together.Director Takamatsu Shinji has already demonstrated that he is more than a one-hit wonder, with Gintama and Ginban Kaleidoscope.anim: Studio Comet. OVA, 1of2eps. Second ep 17sept. forum. thu17jul.Ponyo on a Cliff崖の上のポニョThis time Miyazaki will tell a story drawn freely in watercolors and pastels about a 5 year old boy Sosuke and the princess goldfish Ponyo who wants to become human.... An extra interesting thing is that the Goro Miyazaki (Hayao's son) of when he was 5 years old has been chosen as the model for the main character Sosuke. This is interesting because in the summer of 2007 Goro Miyazaki made his director’s debut with Studio Ghibli’s Gedo Senki and Miyazaki senior was very critical of it. (from Ghibliworld via anidb)My favorite Ghibli, Whispers of the Heart, was not directed by Hayao Miyazaki. And the old man's most recent work, Howl, was just okay for me. So I'm not as excited about this movie as some people are. anim: Ghibli. movie. forum. sat19jul.Akiba-chanアキバちゃんCG/stop motion animation. Slice of life show following five otaku girls who live in the "Maison de Akiba" apartments. Shimizu Ai, Ishizuka Sayori (Sango in ToHeart2), Fujita Saki (whose voice samples are the basis of Hatsune Miku's voice), and Yuzuki Ryouka. Five ten-minute episodes. anim: Buildup Entertainment. 10x5min eps. preview. 24:00 thu24jul.Amuri in Star Ocean星の海のアムリWeird but enjoyable 3DCG science fiction involving genetically altered lolis in space and lots of beautiful explosions and effects.With Makino Yui, Saitou Momoko and Aizawa Michiru (Furoe in Simoun) in the lead roles, supported by Mamiko Noto, Kaneda Tomoko, and Hirano Aya (after ep1).anim: Studio Hibari. OVA, 2of3eps. ep3 26sept. forum. preview. fri25jul.Lupin III: Sweet Lost Night ~Mahō no Lamp wa Akumu no Yokan~ルパン三世 sweet lost night���魔法のランプは悪夢の予感���Few details are available so far about this new Lupin special. anim: Tokyo Movie. TV special. subs: Froth-Bite. fri25jul.The Sky Crawlersスカイ・クロラLove story with a military science fiction background. Director Oshii Mamoru did the Ghost in the Shell movies.He uses film actors as his stars: Kikuchi Rinko was nominated for an Oscar for her work in Babel. Kase Ryou was Mayama in the Honey & Clover movie.Music by Kenji Kawai (Windy Tales, Death Note, Higurashi). Animation/chara-des by Nishio Tetsuya. Written by dorama writer Itou Chihiro (e.g., Sekai no Chushin de, Ai wo Sakebu).Oshii is a friend and competitor of Miyazaki and did GITS: Innocence. anim: Production IG. movie. forum. preview. sat02aug.Naruto Shippuuden: Kizuna劇場版NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝 絆The next Naruto movie. "A mysterious group of ninjas makes a surprise attack on the Konohagakure, which takes great damage. The nightmare of another Shinobi World War could become a reality. Sasuke, who was still a missing nin from Konoha trying to kill his brother, Itachi, appears for the second time in front of Naruto at an unknown location to prevent it from happening." (ANN)Director Kamegaki Hajime did Fushigi Yuugi, Ayashi no Ceres, and Air Gear. Writer Takegami Junki did Gunslinger Girl and Hayate no Gotoku. anim: Pierrot. movie. sat02aug.Detroit Metal Cityデトロイト・メタル・シティSouichi Negishi is a shy young man who comes from the country to Tokyo for college, wanting to become a kindergarten teacher. However, for some reason he becomes the singer and songwriter of a metal band named 'Detroit Metal City.' When he puts on the heavy makeup, Negishi becomes a completely different person, shouting profanities. As the popularity of DMC increases, Negishi starts worrying that his double personality could have negative effects on his (romantic) life off stage. (from ANN)This one is flying a bit under the radar, but it comes from Studio 4°C, and the director did Mushishi, so there is some quality behind it. Character design and animation by Shimamura Hidekazu (Honey & Clover). anim: Studio 4°C. OVA. preview. fri08augKaitou Tenshi Twin Angel快盗天使ツインエンジェルThe twins live an exciting but normal school life, then after school, they become the Thieving Angels.Stars Tamura Yukari and Noto Mamiko.DirectorNagai Tatsuyuki did Honey & Clover II and Idolmaster Xenoglossia. Writer Kurata Hideyuki did Now and Then, Here and There. Animation director Koga Makoto did ARIA and sola.anim: Nomad. OVA. 1of2eps. ep2of2 in sept. fri08augLucky Star OVAらき☆すた OVALucky Star is back for a one-shot OVA. Interesting to see what happens now that fired original director Yamamoto Yutaka is long gone and this is entirely Takemoto Yasuhiro's baby.The seiyuu cast is having a great year, with awards for Hirano Aya (best lead female) and Katou Emiri (best new female seiyuu), and good new roles for both them (Chiko and Kaoru for Aaya; Sakuya and Blair for Emirin) and Endou Aya (Angelique, Sheryl).The release date for this was recently changed from the end of August to the end of September. Speculation is rife that it had to do with changing the plot to remove scenes of violence in Akihabara, after the recent knife incident. Or that the script is late. But this kind of date shift is common, and it may be due to some commercial consideration or other.anim: Kyoto Animation. OVA. 1of1eps. forum. fri26sept.NOTES:-- "forum" is the AnimeSuki forum for each show-- English titles link to the Anime News Network encyclopedia page, when there is one-- Japanese titles link to the Japanese official site.-- "subs" means sub groups who plan to sub particular shows, based mainly on the current Who Subs What wiki that many sub groups post to before a season starts.-- other information is from ANN, AnimeSuki, anidb, Moonphase, and official sites.
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)