Bandai Entertainment has a guest from Lantis, Ai Takai, with an announcement from Bandai Visual Japan, which teamed up with Lantis (a music production company): They're going to release Jpop and anime music on iTunes in the US and Canada starting later this month or next month at the latest. They're talking up some of the artists now, including JAM Project, Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, CooRie, Yozuca, and Minami Kurabayaki.That is really cool.Back to Bandai Entertainment proper, run by marketing head Bob Napton and president Ken Iyadomi. This next bit is the sum-up of current and upcoming titles. I'll just share release dates as they go through. Sword of the Stranger out now... Kurokami DVD info ncoming soon Code Geass is currently airing on Adult Swim at 2am, and the first part of R2 is coming out in August, with a regular edition and special with volume 4 of the manga-- that should be interesting. Gundam 00 second season is also airing on SyFy. Season 1 part 1 is due out July 21st; special edition has the first manga volume and Gundam 00-F, neither of which will be released until sometime later. Gurren Lagann is out in its entirety of course.The Lucky Star OVA is due out the first week of August at an SRP of $14.98-- no dub, but a few extras, like the Washinomiya Lucky Star Event and some Lucky Channel stuff. Hayate no Gotoku is also dub-less, episodes 1-7 on July 21st for $39.98.
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There are female viewers of mecha anime now, as evidenced by the success of shows like Code Geass and Mobile Suit Gundam 00. As far as I’m concerned this is a fantastic development. I imagine that the declining birth rate in Japan makes the people behind these works at least welcome the idea of new [...]
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Anime DVDs June 30, 2009 Ah! My Buddha – Volume 3 Appleseed Blade of the Phantom Master Gakuen Alice – Box Set (sub) Heroic Age – Part 2 One Piece – Season 2 Part 1 Samurai Champloo – Box Set Manga June 30, 2009 Black God – Volume 6 Cirque du Freak – Volume 1 Code Geass: Nightmare of Nunnally – Volume 2 Gurren Lagann – Volume 2 Inukami! – [...]
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Oh snap! Lelouchopard is the now bad guy and Nerval is his Daddy!? Existence truly belongs to “The Girl Who Leaps Through Space”? Not only that…but Nami joined up with Evil Leopard!? Whut!? lol…I will never get tired of the way Sunrise f*cks with our minds with Plot Twists. It was entertaining with Code Geass…and it’s [...]
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Whew! At long last, the summer season preview is here! As usual, summer is big on comedies and other light-hearted fare, like GA Geijitsuka Art Design Class, Kanamemo, and Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou-- but that doesn't mean we have no darker shows. Keep an eye out for CANAAN, from Type-Moon (Fate/Stay Night), and Umineko no Naku Koro ni, from 07th Expansion (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni), as well as BONES' Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 if you want some drama. We're also seeing relatively few sequels compared to past summers, I think; Hetalia 2nd season, Spice and Wolf II, and Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are the only ones, really. All in all it's shaping up to be a pretty strong summer. So let's get going! <object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xj9WVTORX7s&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xj9WVTORX7s&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="285" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Aoi Hana Japanese Title:  青い花 Studio:   J.C. Staff Genre:   Shoujo Airs:  Fuji TV, Thursdays at 2am, starting July 2nd. Site:   http://www.aoihana.tv Summary: Fumi and Akira, who were best friends ten years prior to the anime's beginning, reconnect in high school as very different students. The girls help each other get through the social vagaries of starting out in high school. I'm told there are at least touches of yuri in the show. Notable: Director Kenichi Kasai has made a name for himself with strong and relatively understated series: Nodame Cantabile , Honey and Clover , and KimiKiss Pure Rouge among them. Total newcomer Ai Takabe will be voicing the primary heroine, Fumi, while the relatively unknown Yuko Gibu ( Koi Koi Seven 's Akiwo) plays Akira. You may want to pay close attention to the soundtrack for this one; Vampire Knight and Vampire Knight Guilty's Takefumi Haketa has been tapped to compose. <object height="240" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tSmyq-AgUw4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tSmyq-AgUw4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="240" width="380"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Bakemonogatari Japanese Title:  化物語 Studio:   Shaft Genre:  Supernatural Airs:  Tokyo MX TV, Fridays at 11pm, starting July 3rd Site:   http://www.bakemonogatari.com Summary: After surviving a vampire attack, Koyomi Araragi begins stumbling upon a wide variety of supernatural mysteries, starting with his nearly-weightless classmate Hitagi Senjougahara. Notable: The series is based on NisiOisiN's series of light novels. You may recognize his name as the author of the Death Note : Another Note and xxxHOLiC novels. There are those who theorize that he is in fact Death Note manga writer Tsugumi Ohba as well. Calling all Zetsubou-sensei fans! Hiroshi Kamiya, who voices Nozomu Itoshiki (as well as Gundam 00 's Tieria Erde and Macross Frontier 's Mihael ), is voicing Koyomi. Chiwa Saito ( ARIA 's Aika, Pani Poni Dash! 's Becky) joins him as Hitagi. Remember how I said Zetsubou fans should be interested? Here's another reason: it's a Shaft/ Akiyuki Shinbo collaboration. They've done Zetsubou and Maria+Holic . <object height="215" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XjihkCCXp3o&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XjihkCCXp3o&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="215" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   CANAAN Studio:  P.A. Works Genre:  Mystery Airs:  Tokyo MX TV, Saturdays at 10:30pm, starting July 4th Site:   http://www.canaan.jp Summary: A group of Tokyoites are drawn togther by a series of strange events. These include, among other things, a detective, a writer, a virus researcher, and a catgirl. Notable: Yes, the art should look familiar to you: it's from Type-Moon co-founders Kinoko Nasu and Takashi Takeuchi and features designs by the latter. You know them best as the Fate/Stay Night and Kara no Kyoukai people. One of my favorite seiyuu and singers, Maaya Sakamoto ( Host Club 's Haruhi , Final Fantasy VII's Aeris ), will be voicing the lead, Alphard. Miyuki Sawashiro, best known for cute voices like Puchiko in Di Gi Charat or Mint in Galaxy Angel , will voice the titular Canaan. The series will be directed by Masahiro Ando , who debuted as an anime director with the recently-released BONES film Sword of the Stranger . <object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DNmUjFgmQbQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DNmUjFgmQbQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="285" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Element Hunter Japanese Title:  エレメントハンター Studio:  NHK Enterprises x Hiuon Entertainment Genre:  Sci-Fi Airs:  NHK, Saturdays at 6pm starting July 4th Site:   http://elementhunters.com Summary: Set in the year 2089, sixty years after the human population has declined to a tenth of its peak after a huge natural disaster, scientists discover that the planets resources are flowing to a “Nega Earth.” A team of young children (under 13) is formed to save the world and learn the Periodic table. Yeah, I know. Notable: Edutainment it may be, but the staff's not bad: director Yoshiaki Okumura directed Antique Bakery , Bakkyuu Hit!, and episode-directed Eyeshield 21 . I'm more excited about the music, though: Chiaki Ishikawa, who I know best for the Bokurano OP “Uninstall” (but who you may recognize from a considerable amount of .Hack work) is performing the OP. I've got to say, the designs also look pretty neat; the character designs are from newcomer Daigo Okumura. <object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0h8fyG51boE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0h8fyG51boE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="285" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan Japanese Title:  ファイト一発!充電ちゃん!! Studio:   Studio Hibari Genre:  Comedy Airs:  AT-X, Thursdays at 8am, starting June 25th Site:   http://juden-chan.jp Summary: Rather than bringing back another season of Code-E, Japan has selected a new electric-charged heroine to represent this summer. This time it's Juuden-chan, a visitor from another world sent to perk up downtrodden humans...presumably by zapping them with electricity? And nudity. Can't forget the nudity. Notable: This is another one that may look familiar to you; it's based on the manga by Bow Ditama, who also did Mahoro-Matic . Director Shinichiro Kimura , who helmed Hand Maid May , both Maburaho AND Mahoraba, and Karin, will take on this comedy. Ayahi Takagaki ( Gundam 00 's Feldt Grace , True Tears ' Noe) and Kaori Fukuhara ( Lucky Star 's Tsukasa, Macross Frontier 's Lam Hoa) are playing the two parallel-world visitors, Aresta Blanket and Plug Cryostat, respectively. They're also singing the OP theme.   Title:   GA Geijutsuka Art Design Class Japanese Title:  GA 芸術科アートデザインクラス Studio:   AICPLUS+ Genre:  Slice-of-Life Airs:  YTV, Tuesdays at 2:15am, starting July 7th Site:   http://mv.avex.jp/ga Summary: Five freshman girls start out in their high school art club. Hmm...sounds kinda familiar. Ahem, Sketchbook . The manga it's originally based on also featured a lot of art tips, so it'll be interesting to see if the anime follows suit. Notable: The anime is based on the manga by Satoko Kiyuduki, who you may recognize as the creator of Shoulder-a-Coffin Kuro. Yen Press is releasing both of these series, so if you want a real preview of GA, check out first manga volume, which came out in April. Hiroaki Sakurai , director of Cromartie High School and Kodocha (!!) is set to direct, so expect some top-notch comedy. Here are just a couple of the cast credits: Haruka Tomatsu ( Kannagi 's Nagi , To Love-Ru 's Lala ) as the lead, Kisaragi, and Kaori Nazuka ( .hack//SIGN 's Subaru , Eureka Seven 's Eureka , Code Geass ' Nunnally) as Miki Noda.   Title:   Hetalia Axis Powers Second Season Japanese Title:  ヘタリア Axis Powers 第2期 Studio:   Studio Deen Genre:  Comedy Airs:  Mobile Animate, Fridays at 4pm, starting July 24th Site:   http://hetalia.com Summary: Oh, Hetalia: a strange little series of animated short based on a manga which pits personified countries against one another in a school setting-- and every single nation is a cute boy. Notable: The first season of Hetalia was originally scheduled to air on TV, but South Korea was reportedly unhappy with its character and protested. The series was pulled from broadcast and aired online instead...and now the second season is online, too. I wonder if their characterization of Japan is a wuss? Looks like no cast or staff changes. Did you know that the director's name is Bob? Bob Shirohata. He's best known for directing Diamond Daydreams and series-directing the popular yaoi series Gravitation . Heh. <object height="215" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QgZ-Xim5Yps&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QgZ-Xim5Yps&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="215" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Kanamemo Japanese Title:  かなめも Studio:   feel. Genre:  Comedy Airs:  TV Tokyo, Mondays at 1:30am, starting July 6th Site:   http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/kanamemo Summary: An orphan winds up working at a newspaper delivery office, where she also lives, surrounded by strong and beautiful women. Sounds like heaven to me...the PV here is actually an ad for the manga. (There isn't one for the anime yet, as far as I can tell.) Notable: The anime is based on a 4koma comic strip manga by Shouko Iwami, who also created Suzunari!, which is being released by Yen Press. Top-notch voice cast here: Aki Toyosaki ( Shugo Chara! 's Suu ) will voice Kana. And the strong women around her? Aya Endo ( Macross Frontier 's Sheryl Nome , Lucky Star 's Miyuki ), Eri Kitamura ( Kodomo no Jikan 's Rin , Blood+ 's Saya Otonashi ); Kaoru Mizuhara (Lucky Star's Kasukabe, Ga-Rei 's Saki); Rie Kugimiya ( Fullmetal Alchemist 's Al , Combat Butler Hayate 's Nagi ); Ryou Hirohashi ( ARIA 's Alice, Clannad 's Kyou Fujibayashi ); and Yui Horie ( Love Hina 's Naru , Vampire Knight 's Yuuki ). Yeah.   Title:   Kuruneko Japanese Title:  くるねこ Studio:  Studio Dachs Genre:  Comedy Airs:  Kansai TV, Sundays at 8:55am, starting July 5th Site:   http://kuruneko.fc.yahoo.co.jp Summary: It's the crazy cat lady, anime-style! Actually, Kuruneko focuses on a main character with TWO obsessions: cats, and sake. Because nothing is more entertaining than alcoholics with obsessive-compulsive pet collecting disorders. Notable: This anime is based not just on a manga, but on a web-manga, by creator Yamato. It's reportedly the most popular blog manga in Japan. The series has one voice actor, and one alone: Satomi Kobayashi, who will provide all voices. I couldn't find any other credits for her, although it seems she has done some concept design work in the past. Director Akitaro Daichi is pretty used to the unusual, having helmed Animation Runner Kuromi, Gag Manga Biyori, and Kodocha (which had three directors).   Title:   NEEDLESS Studio:   Madhouse Genre:  Sci-Fi Airs:  Tokyo MX TV, Fridays at 1:30am, starting July 3rd Site:   http://needless.jp Summary: Set in Japan in the year 2130, NEEDLESS is the tale of the unnecessary: the world is split into the city, and the outside of the city. Those who live outside the city have developed unique abilities and powers, and are known as the “Needless.” Notable: This series is such a pain to search for because the word “needless” is so common in English. Needless to say. This show will be a fun reunion for Emiri Katou ( Lucky Star 's Kagami ) and Aya Endou (Lucky Star's Miyuki ). Endou is voicing lead Cruz Shild, and Katou will voice Disc. Director Masayuki Sakoi has worked all over the place, from the recent Kamen no Maid Guy to Princess Resurrection to Strawberry Panic! . <object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QvPNay6U7n8&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QvPNay6U7n8&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="285" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Princess Lover! Japanese Title:  プリンセスラバー��� Studio:  GoHand Genre:  Romantic Comedy Airs:  Chiba TV, Mondays at 12:30am, starting July 6th. Site:   http://www.prilover.tv Summary: After his parents die, Teppei is due to inherit a shit-ton of money from his grandfather. In order to inherit, though , he has to graduate from a super-elite prep school full of super-elite hot chicks. Notable: Based, of course, on the Ricotta-made eroge, Princess Lover will doubtless be full of fanservice. The designs are nice though. Director Hiromitsu Kanazawa directed Macross Frontier , if that piques your interest-- we know a few things about how he handles multiple women after the same guy. Relative newcomer to the seiyuu world Takuma Terashima, best known for playing Wataru in Princess Princess , Kaname in Shigofumi , and Jin in Sisters of Wellber , will play the lead here. <object height="215" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d74SRTJ55uk&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d74SRTJ55uk&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="215" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Sora no ManiMani Japanese Title:  宙のまにまに Studio:  Studio Comet Genre:  Drama Airs:  AT-X, Tuesdays at 10:30am, starting July 7th Site:   http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/soramani Summary: Are you ready for some star-gazing? And probably some navel-gazing, too. Sora no Mani Mani tells the tale of a high school boy named Saku Ooyagi who, after seven years, returns to his hometown. He tries to be friends with his childhood pal Mihoshi, but their last encounter was disastrous and it's awkward. But Mihoshi also wants to restore their friendship, so she drags Saku into her astronomy club. Notable: I'm actually really excited for this series, and for one primary reason: Kanae Itou, who voices Amu-chan in Shugo Chara! (and wonderfully), is voicing Mihoshi. I like her style a lot, with her naturally pleasant voice that doesn't sound saccharine like so many other seiyuu who play young females. Joining Itou is Tomoaki Maeno as Saku. Some of you may remember him as Atsushi Doujou in the anime of Toshokan Sensou (Library Wars), or as Tooru in Ga-Rei -Zero- . I think a lot of you are familiar with director Shinji Takamatsu 's work, such as School Rumble and Gintama . <object height="215" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Plle67SzqN4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Plle67SzqN4&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="215" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Spice and Wolf II Japanese Title:  狼と香辛料II Studio:  Brains Base Genre:  Fantasy/Drama Airs:  TV Kanagawa, Thursdays at 1:15am, starting July 9th Site:   http://www.spicy-wolf.com Summary: Probably the show I'm most excited about this season, Spice and Wolf is set in a medieval Europe-style fantasy world full of trade and barter-- and also full of gods, like Holo, the Wise Wolf goddess. Holo will continue her adventures with the wandering merchant Craft Lawrence. Notable: Joining the stellar leads, Ami Koshimizu ( Geass 's Kallen ) as Holo and Jun Fukuyama (Geass's Lelouch) as Lawrence, is another seiyuu superstar: Romi Paku ( Fullmetal Alchemist 's Ed ), as a new character, Abe, who appears in the novel series. ROCKY CHACK, the artist who blew many of us away with the awesomeness of the first season Spice and Wolf ED “Ringo Biyori ~The Wolf Whistling Song~,” is back again with a new ED for the sequel: “Perfect World.” If you were curious, director Takeo Takahashi from the first season is helming the second, as are screenwriter Naruhisa Arakawa and music composer Yuuji Yoshino. So expect similar quality to the first season. v<object height="215" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HsR9h2VLzdc&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HsR9h2VLzdc&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x402061&amp;color2=0x9461ca&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="215" width="340"></embed></param></object>   Title:   Taishou Yakyuu Musume. Japanese Title:  大正野球娘。 Studio:  J.C. Staff Genre:  Comedy Airs:  TBS, Fridays at 2am, starting July 3rd Site:   http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/taisho Summary: Is this Japan's answer to the film A League Of Their Own? Perhaps! Set in 1925, before women even got the right to vote in Japan, a pair of girls decide to form a girls' baseball team. But they don't know anything about the game... Notable: Based on Atsushi Kagurazaka's popular novel series, a manga adaptation also exists, by Shinpei Itou. If you read the description for Sora no ManiMani , you'll remember my mentioning Kanae Itou, the seiyuu who voices
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Mechs on wheels. A flying mech with two large hadron colliders. What is this, Macross Zero?
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Episode 10 is good! The first third of the episode is a little slow and the focus is on Teito trying to come to terms with Mikage's death. The second third is really interesting as we finally get to see the Eye of Mikhail in non-combat mode. The last third is quite emotional. Teito has not gotten over Mikage's death (me too! ) and he decides that he should leave the Church and 'commit suicide' by going back to the military to take revenge for Mikage. Of course, once again, Frau, Castor and Labrador interfere and Teito's plan fails.Episode 11 is very different from episode 10. It's more light hearted and there are some parts which actually made me burst out laughing. The highlight of the episode must be the Frau-lookalike Kor doll which Castor made. LOL Castor is a real genius!What's Hot?Mikage in pet form was playing with a black neko. - Kawaii!!Castor turned into a Ghost and used his power to make Teito unconscious.As Teito had seen Frau in Ghost form before, in order to protect Teito, Castor decided to erase his memories. While Castor was about to start, Frau interrupted. He didn't want Teito's memories erased as that would also erase Teito's last memory of Mikage. - Aww... Frau is such a sweet guy!Frau is the only one among the 7 Ghosts who can wield Veloren's scythe. - Hmm.. since Aya-tan mentioned that the scythe is his, does this mean that Aya-tan is Veloren?Suddenly, Frau's scythe went out control and tried to attack an unconscious Teito, whose Eye of Mikhail awakened and protected him. Frau and Castor were very shocked to find out that Teito was the master of Eye of Mikhail. According to Castor, Teito's fate can either save or destroy the world. - This is an overused subplot. I hope it doesn't getting boring.Like Teito, the Eye of Mikhail loves Mikage in pet form. - This shows how irresistible it is.Mikage in pet form was chewing Frau's hair. - LOLFrau brought Teito to the place where his battle against Evil Mikage took place. The attacks actually left messages behind. These were Mikage's last words:'I'm sorry, Teito''You have to keep on living!''We'll absolutely always be the best of friends!''Teito, I love you.'- Sob sob! I miss you Mikage!! Castor thought of a wonderful way to distract Teito and to help him move on. He asked him to try to become a Bishop. If Teito were to succeed in becoming one, he will be able to enjoy many privileges and most importantly, he will get to travel around all of Barsburg Empire's districts easily without strict inspections.Before Teito can become a Bishop, he needs to pass the Bishop examination. The first exam is a written exam. To pass it, Teito needs to finish memorizing a mountain of books within half a month. Frau thinks that it's impossible as he himself took 3 years to finish memorizing everything. Castor thinks that it's because Frau is too dumb. - It's not surprising to know that Frau is not the brainy type of person. ^.-For the physical combat exam, Teito needs to master a weapon called a Bascule, which he must learn to channel his Zaiphon through it to catch and destroy Kor.Castor made a doll and he planted the Kor he caught earlier into it. The doll totally looks like Frau and Teito is supposed to train with it. - Castor must be trying to increase Teito's motivation level.After Castor and Frau left Teito alone with the doll, the doll went crazy and started to run and dance around. Teito managed to channel his Zaiphon through the Bascule but the attack was too weak. When it ran towards Teito, Mikage in pet form helped him (so brave and cute!!). In the end, Labrador came to his rescue. - The doll totally cracks me up.Labrador and Teito took a break. While Mikage in pet form was chewing on some flowers, Labrador asked Teito to try out the flower tea. When Teito tasted it, he said it's sweet. Labrador commented that it's only sweet to those who had been injured deep within the soul. - I need the flower tea too!!Teito was reminded of Mikage again but this time round, he decided to fulfill his destiny as Raggs Kingdom's heir and avenge Mikage, even if Mikage won't forgive him for that. As if approving of his decision, the Eye of Mikhail glows. - So long as Teito remains safe, I'm sure Mikage will approve of whatever he wants to do. Anyway, Mikage (in cute pet form) is now always by Teito's side. ^-^Back in the Church, Teito saw a blond guy and thought he's Mikage. He immediately gave chase only to find out that he's totally not Mikage. Like Teito, he's also taking the Bishop examinations. - Teito must be hallucinating! This guy has long blond hair whereas Mikage has short blond hair. Anyway, have you noticed that this new guy sounds like Yumichika (Bleach) and Lelouch (Code Geass)? Yup! Same voice actor - Jun Fukuyama! He seems like an interesting character so I'll certainly be looking out for him.Mikage in pet form jumped onto the new guy's head without him even noticing. - So cute!!What's Not?I'm biased so none at all!
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Unfortunately, Anime Evolution 2009 conflicted with my CGA exam, so I was only able to make it on Day 3. However, I still had lots of fun because the turnout was good. AE 2009 had over 5,000 attendees, making it one of the largest anime conventions in Western Canada. AE 2009 featured pop-rock group MinxZone. My photos didn't turn out too great. I wanted to practice using manual settings on my DSLR, but I didn't do a good job. It's the first time I used manual settings, so it was very hard. 10:00 am - Arrival. AE 2009 was held at the Vancouver Convention Center in Downtown Vancouver. The Registration Booth was opened at 8:00 am, but the Exhibit Hall wasn't opened until 10:00 am. I showed up at 10:00 am since I didn't want to wait for the Exhibit Hall to open. It can get lonely when the only girlfriend you have is an imaginary one. I live on the other side of Metro Vancouver, so I had to drive. Parking was $6 CAD/day. Tickets at the door were $60 CAD for a 3-day badge and $50 to $55 CAD for a 1-day badge. However, I paid only $25 CAD for my 1-day badge because I was pre-registered. 10:05 am - Entrance. Here's the official AE 2009 sign. AE 2009 didn't have a bulletin board with a directory, like what Sakura-Con 2009 had. I found the Registration Booth by wandering around like a noob. 10:10 am - Registration. There was no lineup when I got to the Registration Booth. It was Day 3, so the majority of the attendees got their badges already. 10:15 am - Badge and Program Guide. Here's the badge and the program guide. Unfortunately, there was no swag. Stingy sponsors, I guess. 10:20 am - Exhibit Hall. After getting my badge, I went to the Exhibit Hall. AE 2009 had over 50 merchants. However, only 2 merchants sold figures. Other merchants had a few figures, but nothing fancy. Here's one of the merchants that sold figures. Here's another photo of the same merchant. I almost bought the Yotsuba figure, but I decided not too since I'm going to Anime Expo 2009 in Los Angeles, CA in a couple of weeks. I have to save up. Here's the other merchant that sold figures. I wanted a candid shot of the booth, but the maid caught me. Luckily, it was the Japanese V sign that she gave me. Girls usually give me the bird. Here's one of the merchants that sold manga. Unfortunately, I couldn't find Hidamari Sketch. I guess I'll have to pick them up online. Here's another merchant that sold manga. Here's one of the merchants that sold dakimakura. I don't think the dakimakura were officially licensed. However, the quality was good. It cost $45 CAD/ea. I would've bought one if they had a Kanu Unchou one in stock. Here's the other merchant that sold dakimakura. I think the merchant was at Sakura-Con 2009. The setup was exactly the same. After taking a look at the Exhibit Hall, I went to the Artist Alley and the Art Show. Unfortunately, photographs weren't allowed, so I couldn't take any photos. 2:00 pm - Lolita Fashion Show. After taking a look at the Artist Alley and the Art Show, I went to the Lolita Fashion Show, which was one of the main events on Day 3. I don't know how to take photos in the dark, so I randomly selected settings on my DSLR and hoped for the best. 3:00 pm - Photo Shoots. After taking a look at the Lolita Fashion Show, I went to take photos of cosplayers and Lolitas. Here are Badou and Heine from Dogs. I wanted an action shot from the point of view of Badou, but the effect didn't turn out too great. I should've focused on Heine. Here are Byakuran and Mukuro from Katekyo Hitman Reborn!. Here's Tianzi from Code Geass. I should've asked her to stand in the shade instead of in direct sunlight. My bad. Here are a few Sweet Lolitas. I learned at the Lolita Fashion Show that there are different styles of Lolitas. The cute style is Sweet Lolita. Hangry & Angry, the pop-rock group at Sakura-Con 2009, is a cross between Gothic and Punk Lolita. Who says anime conventions aren't educational? Is this an Aristocrat and a Classic Lolita? Or are they cosplayers from an anime that I don't know about? Or none of the above? I'm such a dumbass. Someone help me out here. 6:30 pm - Closing Ceremonies. Before the Closing Ceremonies began, the majority of the attendees have left. However, there were still many die-hards lining up to get into the Closing Ceremonies, as you can see here. I stayed for another 10 mins and then I called it a day. My feet were sore and I was starving, so it was a good time to stop. If you missed AE 2009, then you want to check out AE 2010. AE 2009 was a smaller anime convention, but it was put together quite nicely.
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After the release of the review for the first season, I know it took me a while to write the second, but here it is: the AnimeNerdz official Code Geass Lelouch Of The Rebellion R2 review. There is no doubt that Code Geass is one of the best anime series ever. With millions of fans and 2 season to entertain them, Code Geass took the "anti-hero" style to another level. What is so amazing about Code Geass that makes it one of the best series out there? The twists in the plot. They started in the first season, and the second season just exploded in twists. It was great, but at some point it was getting old and very confusing. For me, that was the only problem I had with the second season. The twists were very confusing, and there were moments when I just didn't know what to believe. And the way the characters develop throughout the plot and their importance is also something R2 lacks despite of an excellent first season.Another thing that i Hated about Code Geass R2 were the meaningless mecha battles. At some point they were shadowing the strategical mind games that Code Geass was so loved for. The sounds are great, with thrilling soundtracks every second of the action. What I didn't enjoy was the animation. Yes, the character designs and backgrounds are bright and colorful but they were slacking of at the end of the season, in my opinion. The last 5 episodes were horrible when it came to animation level.All the AMVs on Code Geass on youtube are just horrible...they are all based on the mecha side of the series, which is not what made it incredible..so I had to go with this one...WARNING MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HkDSFyXRbp0&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x5d1719&amp;color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HkDSFyXRbp0&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x5d1719&amp;color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Graphics 8/10Sound 10/10Storyline 10/10 (amazing ending)Characters 6/10Overall 9/10
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Here are today's "really cool products" that I've picked out for you, out of the 30+ new items we've added to the J-List and JBOX.com sites today. Note that some products may be "not safe for work" but that all links will allow you to redirect yourself either to the J-List or JBOX.com websites. To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link. Megami Magazine vol. 109 Gorgeous new issue of Megami, the #` magazine at J-List, featuring tons of posters on Clannad After Story, K-On! (Keion), Toradora (Tora-dora), Queen's Blade, and more. 11 dual-sided posters inside for you! Tales of Vesperia Illustrations This new artbook presents the official character designs and illustrations of the popular game from Namco Bandai, and includes many pages of beautiful works by creator Kosuke Fujishima. Gothic Lolita Bible vol. 33 Another beautiful issue of the fantastic GothLoli Bible, the magazine dedicated to Japan's awesome gothic cosplay & ELG culture. The new issue has just come in, and it's filled with the most amazing pictures and gothic news. Fool's Mate Reserve Subscription Then, J-List has plenty of cool J-ROCK items in stock for fans of Japan's visual-kei music scene, and today we're adding a new revolving subscription: Fool's Mate, filled with great information on the top Japanese bands, including Gackt GACKT. Mamegoma 1-Tier Tight Bento Box We're big fans of the San-X lineup of cute characters, and one of the cutest is Mamegoma, a little seal whose name literally means "Bean + Sesame Seed." Enjoy this cute new bento box on the site. Tomomi Kojima's Eco Recipe Book A nice book for bento enthusiasts presenting a variety of easy to make and economical Japanese lunches that can be made in 20 minutes or less, with no less than 164 recipes presented. Lots of pictures, too. Evangelion You Are (Not) Alone (Blu-ray) Why wait to see the all-new Evangelion film when you can see it on fabulous Blu-Ray now. The new release of this film, which features the best animation we've seen, and many twists and turns. Compatible with North American players, including PS3. Revoltech Evangelion Figures In Stock Also: to celebrate the coolness that are the new Eva movies, Revoltech has released some totally new action figures of all the Eva units. Totally detailed, they can be put in any pose. New Snacks from Japan You know that J-List always has something new and unexpected for Japanese snack fans, and today we've got authentic Salt Daifuku Mochi, chewy rice-based cakes that come in a gift box. Also Pick Up rice snack and Baby Star Ramen you can munch on anywhere. Sushi Straps for your Phone Then: some delicious-looking sushi straps that you can attach to your phone, camera, keys, Nintendo DS and so on. Compatible with iPhone, too. CLANNAD visual fanbook ~ TV Animation CLANNAD is one of my favorite shows, almost the purest expression of moe (mo-EH) there could be. See fresh stock of the popular TV animation artbook today. Other Restocked Photobooks Then, see fresh stock of several other artbooks you will love, including Haruhi/Shana character designer Noiji (Noizi) Ito's first original artbook, and a fantastic book dedicated to the heroines of Code Geass. Kamonohashikamo DX Plush Coin Case Kamonohashikamo (Japanese for "platypus") is that amazing cute character from San-X, and today we've posted a new plush coin case that will hold all your stuff safely. Hello Kitty Bamboo Long Cooking Chopsticks Next, a pair of Hello Kitty cooking chopsticks made out of easy to grip bamboo, the best material for making chopsticks. Extra long so you can keep from burning your hand while you cook. MOTTAINAI Eco Bento Boxes The Japanese word mottainai (mo-TAI-NAI) literally means "what a waste!" and isa great theme for this bento box series, since making your own boxed lunch certainly uses a lot fewer resources (and money) than eating out. Enjoy fresh stock today. Onigiri Cases, Microwave Steamer For fans of onigiri, the trianble shaped rice balls from Japan, we're restocking our Prime Nakamura Onigiri Cases, along with the popular microwave vegetable and rice steamers. Mugen Puchi Puchi - Endless Pop Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Spend hours with this digital Mugen (Endless) Bubble Wrap keychain, which we've restocked for you today. Ships from San Diego for your convenience. Mousse-chan Fuwa-Fuwa Paper Clay The line of cute Mousse-chan decorations made from kami-nendo (a clay made from paper fibers) are very popular. Several items in the series have been restocked today. Restocked Genki Textbooks, More We've gotten in a huge restocking of the #1 selling Japanese study aid in J-List's history, used by more students of the language than any other tool. So popular, we have trouble keeping them in stock. Poop Pointer Ball Point Pen It could only come from Japan: a convenient pen that extends from 18 cm to 60 cm, allowing you to use it as a pointer. The fun part is that it's got unchi (poop) on the end of it for maximum wackiness. GATSBY ~ Men's Hair Wax Whether you're a "herbivore man" or just want to have that awesome Johnny's Agency-esque ikemen look, J-List has some cool items for you, including fashion magazines. Today see fresh stock f the Gatsby Men's Hair Wax. Japanese 'Hachimaki' Headbands We've restocked our Japanese headbands that are fun to wear, known as hachimaki in Japanese. Show your ki-ai, or your dedication and fighting spirit, with one of these awesome traditional items on your head! Fantastic Luck Cat Items Lucky Cat is the amazing Japanese cat that waves good luck into your home or business. J-List has dozens of items, in stock, and we've posted the Basic Lucky Cat Coin Bank in white and black today. Other Traditional Items from Japan You never know what cool items from Japan you're going to find on J-List, like the Chirimen Paper Dresser Style Jewel Box we've restocked, or the Drop-the-Daruma traditional game, or Lucky Charm with 5-yen coin. Totoro Cushions & Pillows We've also gotten fresh stock of the amazingly soft and luxurious Totoro cushion for 2009, featuring outstanding quality that will make them a treasure in your family for years. Nanoha Takamachi 1/7 Figure *Preorder* This is one of the coolest Nanoha figures we've seen, with incredible detail paid to every part of the figure, from the hair to the face to the body and pose. Preorder her now. Revoltech Super Gurren Lagann *Preorder* Also, Revoltech is continuing their popular robot figure line, giving us a new version of the Super Galaxy Gurren Lagann to drool over. Put him in any pose you can think of! Gekkan Anettai -- Mika Ninagawa A deluxe perfect bound version of Gekkan ("Monthly"), the awesome magazine that takes one beautiful model and presents nothing but pictures of her -- no lame filler models, no ads, nothing. The all-natural photographs of this woman are fabulous. Huge Stock of Super Anthology Comic AG J-List carries all the current and past issues of Comic AG, the popular English-language "H" manga published by Icarus, which is printed from the original artist pages. Enjoy our convenient blocks of back-issues and lowered prices on vol. 60 and earlier. Heartwork - The Game *Preorder* Here's a treat: a classic game from Bible Black artist Sei Shojo, called Heartwork. It's the story of Yuu Asakura, a college student who finds himself thrust into a world of guns, assassination and non-stop "H" and more. Preorder it now! Tokimeki Check in! One reason I like the dating-sims that we sell is the depth of story and characters you can enjoy, and I just love the games by Crowd, like Tokimeki Check in!, the classic Crowd game about life and love at a traditional hot springs hotel. Just $19.95 after our game price drop. More Bible Black Hole Toys We've got even more fantastic "Black Hole" Bible Black toys for stress-relief on the site, offering a fantastic way to experience the popular anime and PC dating-sim game. A great novelty item.
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