Schick Razor Evangelion Campaign Continues

The campaign continues with two new ads - "Kaworu's Wish" & "New Development." They also have an Asuka and Unit 01 holders for all of you great Schick items! Check the ads out below:

 Don't think this is Evangelion's first time supporting a product. Rei Ayanami sold pizza for PizzaHut during the release of 1.0, and the characters in the original T.V. series pushed walk-mans and brands of beer. Evangelion isn't the only one putting their face on a product... >.>

FFXI: Seekers of Adoulin - Part 2

Day 2 of VanaFest has come and gone - here is some more info we learned about the future of FFXI.

If you don't recognized the art - it's Kazushi Hagiwara's, creator of Bastard!

With Geomancer announced previously, we now know the 2nd new job is Rune Fencer. Rune Fencers have exceptional magic defense  with two different types of runes: Elemental-based runes that work like defeebing type en-spells. The second is an Enchantment-based runes that increased the Rune Fencer's attack or defense. A new type of tank that situation-ally could be better then PLD or NIN.

Kinda reminds me of PSO.

Also announced was a Private Island where you could raise your own monsters and items for selling or for creating something better. A Monster Playing system where you can take control of a mob and fight others in a PvP type setting. New custom instanced dungeons. A bunch of new spells. New 2hour abilities for all jobs. We should be expecting alot more updates coming in the next few months about upcoming updates we've been expecting and even a few more surprises.

Figure Preview - Hot Toys' Dark Knight Joker

I'm not usually the one to show off pictures of figures, but when the figure looks more like the actor then a figure.. damn.

Available come December if you have about $300 to pay for the figure with shipping. A wonderful addition to scare away any one from your room.

Anime Expo 2012: Top Ten Things I'm Looking Forward To~

Sense 1998 I have been going to Anime Expo and with 2012's con less then a week away, I thought now would be a great time for another Top List. Without having to wait for a saucy looking cosplayer or some dealer's room bargains - Here is my Top Ten: Things I'm Looking Forward To At Anime Expo 2012!

 10. Cosplayers

When you think Anime Convention you think Cosplay. Cosplay, or Costume Play for those who aren't in the know, is when someone dresses as either an anime or game character. Through-out the years though Cosplayers have become more daring, more original, and more detailed on their costume more then ever. I've always believed you should cosplay as something you'd like and not just be some attractive person in a costume your friend asked you to wear. I love seeing great costumes but even more so, I love seeing people's passion about the characters they are portraying.

9. Meeting New Friends
It's great to meet new people. Anime Expo has always been a great place to meet new people who are interested in basically the same hobby you have. I've met some fantastic people thanks to past anime cons and I can't wait to meet more in the upcoming 2012 convention. If you are interested in hanging out, you may find my group and I hanging around the Korean BBQ place in the Bonaventure. ^^x

8. Our Hotel
Speaking of the Bonaventure; I love the hotel we stay at. It's a great place to stay at during the con not only because of it's decent price, but also the amenities. There are various vendors there selling everything from Italian, Korean BBQ, Subway, and more. There is also a fantastic lounge tucked away from most eyes and a gym I never intend to go to. The best thing of course is the pool. I love this pool. Every year going to the pool after walking down to the convention center, waiting 4 hours for prereg, walking back to the hotel. It's the perfect way to end day 0.

7. Dealer's Room
For the first few conventions, the main reason I went was this room. Even though it's had some change that I'm not completly pleased about (such as taxes not being included in the price & the booting out of certain vendors) I still love this room. It's a guarantee that I go into it at least once a day. Even if it's to catch a great deal, find that rare box set, or see something I never knew existed -  I love this smelly packed room. Just please people, if your cosplay is big, stay the hell out of the room. Remember, I may walk through your photo op if you're in my way of a rare PSO figure.

6. Old Friends
I mentioned earlier that I loved to meet new people. Even more then that I love to see people I've met at previous conventions. It's great to see how everyone has grown and how well they are doing now. I can't wait. ^^

5. New Anime
 Every year I try to leave with at least knowledge of one or more anime that I am interested in. Last year it was Ghost Stories and Durarara. This year who knows! Either way, I cannot wait to wet my whistle with some new anime series or movie. Just thinking about it makes my heart race and my wallet heavy!

4. Ryo Horikawa
 I've spoken about him before - he is Ryo Horikawa. Long time actor in both live action and anime, he has always been a voice actor I would love to meet. (The other two being Koyasu Takehito & Masako Nozawa, just in case you're quizzed later.) I mean seriously have you listened to this man talk? He can threaten me with his pride any time of the day. This will actually be the first time I attempt to go to a voice actor's panel - here's hoping I leave at least with a handshake!

3. Time with some of my closest friends and family.
 I never go to conventions alone. This year my lovely fiancee, my best friend, and another good friend or two will be joining me. We always have a lot of fun adventures together and I am really psyched that we're all going together again this year. Even though I'm leaving behind my daughter and another good friend, I'm not going to feel too bad about it. ^_^ I'll be missing them in no time I'm sure.

2. Yuki Kajiura & FictionJunction
This is only my second large concert at AnimeExpo, but it's the first one I've been to where I know a majority of the band's music. I can't believe I'll be seeing these lovely ladies in action. If I could play the piano as good as Yuki Kajiura's left pinkie, I would be a great at the piano. I want to talk more about them but I'm shivering with excitement with just the simple thought!
 

1. 5 Days Of Carefree Con Time
This is the only time of the year that my worries go from Food Cost at work and the stress of bills, to the worries of making it to an event on time or stressing about if I should eat Pizza or Pizza. It's like living in another world, and I love every minute of it. 

Thanks for reading! See you at AX2012. If you're not going, see you around the net!

FFXI: Seekers of Adoulin - The Offical 5th Expansion Pack is Announced!

At VanaFest 2012, SquareEnix announced the 5th Expansion for Final Fantasy FFXI. Not often do MMOs that are over 10 years old get a 5th expansion, but FFXI's future still looks bright enough to merit this addition the the huge amount of content that is already in play. The new expansion, titled "Seekers of Adoulin" will set adventures west of our home continent to explore the lands of Adoulin. (As if you could not tell that from the title.) 

With a new land to explore comes two new jobs. While one job remains a secret, the other is Geomancer. Geomancers take the elements around them to attack their foes and assist their allies. Here is what we know about Geomancers.

Nothing sells a job like a Mithra.

..nothing deteriorates from a job like a Galka..

GEOMANCER
Geomancy to support party members
-Sphere that appears around the caster.
-Different category from all other buff types. (songs, rolls, etc.)
-Can move with the field, giving different party members the buff.
-Moves from party member to party member to support them.
-Special abilities that allow certain spells to be used, similar to SCH.
-Auras that can be cast on others/the ground? They have HP and deplete over time. Can be destroyed by AoEs.
-Effects such as Regen, Refresh, Regain, Stat boosts(STR, DEX), Attack and defense bonuses, Paralyze, Slow, MDEF down, EVA down, not affected by resistances

Elemental magic for damage
- B- skill
-T4 spells
- -ra spells
-Some dark magic

Job-specific spells
-Enhance geomancy.

Polarity (Job Trait): Enhancements to spells depending on where you are in relation to mobs.

Whole new city!

New areas are abound in this new expansion - We can see a port-like city that is reminiscent of one of the XIV cities, a dark forest, a cave that has tree roots running through it, a new beach like area, and more. We also know that Adoulin is to the west across the Sea of Zafmlug and is likely part of the Ulbuka continent. Achtelle, one of the freelancers for campaign, comes from the Adoulin continent. We also know the the Dragoon job originates from this land. We've also seen a handful of items that apparently originated from this area. The trailer also reveals some key words. 

What we can see is the words "Yggdrasil", Twelve Great Houses, An Ancient Kingdom and Seven Native Warlords. What we only see a fraction of is "Dark Overlord" (Possibly the threat of this land), Arciela-something, (Maybe arcielago?), some of the north, and something to do with Tarutarus. 

The expansion is also due out world-wide in 2013 for all current platforms.

Not much else is known, that is until tomorrow's second day of VanaFest. Stay tune fellow adventurers - it looks like there is still new discoveries to be found!

 

FFXI: Updated June 16th 2012 - Talked about June 20th.

June 14, 2012 (JST) Version Update



As usual, I've only posted a few details with commentary. For the full update, please see the official forums.

Event-related

• [dev1057] Limbus Adjustments
  Temenos

  

  Always ready to give us a hug!

  
  Apollyon

  

  Now with purple thunder powers.

  
   

 The Port Jeuno NPC Sagheera has undergone adjustments:
Time required to repair artifact/relic equipment has been changed from until the next conquest tally to one Vana'diel day, holds more Ancient Beastcoins, and more.

[dev1056] Einherjar Adjustments

• A new version of the Odin's Chamber battle for level 99 adventurers has been added to the Hazhalm Testing Grounds.

  

  You better learn to kneel.

  
   [dev1122] Voidwatch Adjustments

  

  "You'll never defeat me with your sad little shout party!"

   The following enemy weakness adjustments, formerly exclusive to the final chapter of Voidwatch, will apply to all jurisdictions.

• Triggering weaknesses will lower enemies’ attack and magic attack power.
• Abilities and spells learned via merit points will not trigger enemy weaknesses.
• The thief ability Bully will trigger enemy weaknesses.
• All pet special attacks will be able to strike enemy weaknesses.
• The ranger ability Bounty Shot will not trigger enemy weaknesses.
• Wyvern breath attacks will not trigger enemy weaknesses.
• Only a single blood pact for each avatar will trigger enemy weaknesses (Thank you.)

• All automation abilities and special attacks will trigger enemy weaknesses.
• The scholar ability Modus Veritas will not trigger enemy weaknesses.
• The "Void Cluster," a new key item that may be used to weaken Voidwalkers, has been added.

• The following equipment items, hereafter to be known as "Pulse Panoplia"—a reference to their luminescent appearance—may now be converted to new items called Pulse Cells.

• Anhur Robe / Fazheluo Radiant Mail / Mextli Harness / Mekira Meikogai / Toci's Harness / Heka's Kalasiris /Asteria / Borealis / Coruscanti / Ephemeron / Murasamemaru / Delphinius / Aytanri

  Pulse Cell Conversion
  1. When obtaining a pulse weapon or piece of armor from a Riftworn Pyxis, select "Obtain as pulse cell."
     Items obtainable as pulse cells will be marked with a star.
     Pulse cells are stackable (up to 12), deliverable, and may be traded or sold at bazaars and the auction house.
  2. Trade five of any one variety of pulse cell to the NPC Ardrick (Jugner Forest, I-8) to obtain the corresponding piece of pulse equipment.
     *In order to have equipment reconstructed, players must possess the designation for defeating the Voidwalker that drops the corresponding item.

Seriously? Is this so keep someone from getting Toci's Harness twice? Perhaps.

• [dev1118] Legion Adjustments
  • The Legion Libretto, which allows players to choose what fanfare plays during battle, has been added to battlefield antechambers.
    *Only the group leader who originally traded the Legion Pass will be able to change the music.
  • The key items required to participate in Legion battlefields and their prices have been adjusted as follows:
    
    

    	Key Item	Price
    18-player	Legion tome page: minimus	180,000 gil
    36-player	Legion tome page: maximus	360,000 gil

    *Legion tome pages already in the player's possession at the time of the update will be automatically converted to maximus pages.
    Players wishing to participate in reduced-difficulty 18-player battlefields will be required to purchase minimus pages anew.

This was needed. 1mil gil for 1 hour to kill a bunch of HNMS didn't seem fair.

Random Picture Time!

• [dev1120] Fellow Adjustments
• [dev1121] Limit Break Quest Adjustments
  
  In Defiant Challenge
• A new method for obtaining the required quest items has been added. In other words, no more hunting Lichs and praying for the drop. I paid a SMN to help me with this years ago. Kinda funny.

• [dev1121] A new method for opening the Banishing Gates in Garlaige Citadel has been added.
  Players may open the gates alone by obtaining the "pouch of weighted stones" key item from the ??? target in Garlaige Citadel (G-8) and examining each of the three gates. No need for friends!
• [dev1121] The Brass Door on the top floor of Castle Oztroja (H-7) will remain open for a longer period of time.
  
  Battle-related
• The following job adjustments and refinements have been implemented:
  • [dev1109] Summoner
    • The following Tier V spells have been unlocked:
      • Fire Spirit: Fire V (Lv.86)
      • Ice Spirit: Blizzard V (Lv.89)
      • Air Spirit: Aero V (Lv.83)
      • Earth Spirit: Stone V (Lv.77)
      • Thunder Spirit: Thunder V (Lv.92)
      • Water Spirit: Water V (Lv.80)
      • Light Spirit: Protect V / Shell V (Lv.76)
• The method by which the ranger ability Decoy Shot determines which character will accrue enmity from the ranger's attacks has been refined.
• The following items are now dropped by more enemies, and the rate at which they drop has been increased:

  Blue Mage's Testimony / Corsair's Testimony / Puppermaster's Testimony

Item-related

• New items have been introduced.

• New synthesis recipes have been introduced.

• Sell-back price of Holy Water has been adjusted.

• New Porter Moogle Slips have been introduced.

System-related

• The Other Maps option has been added to the Map section of the main menu, allowing players to view maps and set markers for areas other than the one which they are currently exploring.
  *Maps not owned by the player cannot be displayed.

• The new text command /displayhead has been added and allows players to hide or display their headgear.

• The waiting period between synthesis attempts has been reduced.

There is your update - Hope to see you guys adventuring out there and having lots of fun. I hope to be back soon, just waiting for my drive to start back up. ^^

FFXI: Vanafest is only a week away.. but what is this?

The good old kid over at WildDragonChase has discovered some new stuff after some of the more recent updates. Some hints about a new FFXI zones and a few items that should be announced at the upcoming VanaFest 2012. All images from WildDragonChase's blog.

FFXI is a 10 year old game receiving new zones - That's a beautiful thing to see. :D

On another note, I've been a terrible FFXI player. >.>;

Anime Review: Highschool of the Dead 1-12

            The zombie apocalypse has begun hitting everywhere from Atlanta to Japan, atleast in media that is. Highschool of the Dead began as a Japanese Manga written and drawn by Shouji & Daisuke Satou. It’s just a normal day for Takashi Komuro at school when he notices that something peculiar is happening at the gate of his school. Shocked at seeing a teacher being attacked by someone at the gate, he runs into the classroom of his childhood friend Rei Miyamoto demanding that they both need to leave. That is when they realize that their school-mates are not only being killed, but their bodies are reanimating and attacking the living.  





STORY

            If you watched The Walking Dead or anything else zombie-like recently, you know what to expect. What you may not expect is that this is also a harem anime. The main protagonist Takashi goes from brooding and quite to bad ass zombie slayer. During this time it seems that each one of the females in his party of survivors likes him in one way or another. Also much like The Walking Dead, it’s not the zombies that are they major problem for our band of survivors – It’s the other survivors. Most of the people who have lost family and friends have been driven mad. Some where mad to begin with and now due to the lack of law enforcement are allowed to be the evil that they’ve always been. With a few twists here and there a majority of the series is predicable. Think if the Walking Dead fused with Love Hina or Girl’s Bravo and you’ll get the idea. It’s not as original as one would hope for a zombie related series. 2/5

CHARACTERS

            You have your basic harem anime set-up here: Takashi is the main hero of the story who goes from emo kid to bad-ass leader in just a few episodes, his childhood friends Rei and Saya, the gun-otaku Kohta, the swordswomen Saeko, the ditzy over-busty school nurse Shizuka, and young girl who just lost her father names Alice, and her dog Zero/Zeke. There is your harem ingredients – Main guy, friend who is a tomboy who he will most likely get with, brainy friend, nerd guy friend, samurai girl, large breasted ditz, and a loli with a puppy. Nothing overly original at first, but as the episodes go on you discover each character having a deeper story. Kohta’s weapon obsession allows him to go from nerdy shy kid to absolute bad-ass that even Rambo would avoid, just to have him turn around and be shy again. Saeko is a traditional Japanese women bound by honor and tradition and adept with a katana. She also enjoys using her katana against the dead with a satanic unforgiving killer who let a man think he was raping her just so she would have the excuse to cracker his spine. Sexy, no? My largest gripe here would be the lack of a serious antagonist. Shino starts out as an enemy, but then he gets pushed away. I hope he returns later as he has a lot of potential that I hope does not go unnoticed. 3/5

AUDIO

            The music is awesome. The intro is catchy and psyches you up every time. The ending changes at the end of each episode and it usually flows along with how the current episode ends. The soundtrack during the episode is also very good. You can feel the depth of the situation when times are bad, and you are psyched back up when a fight scene starts. There is a nice mix of bad-ass/emotional to keep you wanting more. 4/5

VISUAL

            Extremely smooth animation and well placed CG makes this anime a visual feast. Well placed bright colors and slick direction make this fun to watch. The blood splatter on the wall seems a little over-done, but really gets you in to how violent you can expect the series. The over abundance of ecchi scenes may turn some away. You’ll have scenes where you’ll have 50 panty shots and a couple of well placed objects to cover chests, but then there is full out nudity in the next episode. For the most part, it seems to be having fun with itself – I mean how many times do you see a boob-giggle/bullet dodge scene? 4/5





OVERALL

            Highschool of the Dead, at it’s core, is still a harem anime stuck in the zombie apocalypse. Tons of scenes that verge on the edge of hentai, mixed with comedy and a good bunch of action and blood. The series does suffer from the over-abundance of panty shots and side-boobs. When you can start to comment on things about how long a certain girl has been wearing her panties, then it’s becoming a little much. Then again, this could also be a way of the anime making fun of itself and anime like it. I don’t recommend it for everyone, but give it a try if you got time for 12 episodes. OVERALL – 3.25/5

If you're interested - Highschool of the Dead can be bought over at RightStuf.com or AnimeCornerStore.com. Both are great places to purchase from. ^^

The Walking Dead - Another Wonderful Picture from Season 3

Doesn't look like an illusion this time around, does he? Nice little prosthetic there too. Anyone else notice how loaded this truck is or were you too distracted by the hand prints on the back window?

Thanks to i09.com for the update.

Preview: Figma Figure - Legend of Zelda: Link

If you're a Zelda fan, you may very well feel your pocket get lighter this coming October when Figma Japan released it's Link figure to the public. Cost looks to be around $50 plus whatever shipping to get it here from Ol' Nippon. Below is a few preview pictures released by Figma.



Striking a Pose.



Striking the floor.



I can't be the only one that want's this.





Anime Review: Rurouni Kenshin Shin Kyoto-Hen Part 1

   The Samurai who once gave up the named "Hitokiri Battousai" to become a rurouni is back. As is one of his deadliest of enemies in the new re:telling of the second arc of the Rurouni Kenshin Manga. Kenshin got very popular in the mid-90s in Japan with 28 Tankobon, 95 T.V. episodes, two movies (animated & live action), 3 different O.A.V.s, art books, figures, games, and more. It has been sense 1997 sense our beloved wanderer Himura Kenshin has a had to relive the past and battle his once replacement, Shishio Mokoto. Does Kenshin stand a chance this time around?

STORY:

The blood-stained path of Himura the Battousai, (now Himura Kenshin) is starting to catch up with him. He now travels to Kyoto to face the oncoming war that Shishio Mokoto plans to bring head on to Japan. Both where once assassins that worked for the same side, but now the two must fight for the future of Japan.

Honestly, if you're watching this OAV there is a good chance you watched this same thing during the Rurouni Kenshin T.V. series. I love the original story, and this OAV does nothing but enhance and compliment it. The story starts out differently then the original: Originally where Misao met Kenshin in the forest, now she meets him when she accuses him of being "Hitokiri Battousai" and the last person to see her love Shinomori Aoshi alive." From there on, the basic of the original story stays the same with enough differences to keep things interesting.

My only complaint here is also a compliment; They took out alot of story and characters that lead up to this. Unless you watched the original T.V. series, read the manga, or had a friend give you a quick summery - you are going to be confused. You won't know who or why Kaoru, Yahiko, or Sano are really coming after Kenshin. (Maybe I missed something, as my Japanese is sketchy.) It really throws you into the story. Even though you may feel in the dark about certain things, the story flows well together. You may not miss what you don't get, and that isn't a bad thing in these times of anime having to many main characters.  4/5

DIRECTION:

Changing the story just enough to keep old fans interested and new fans on the edge of their seat was the best choice someone can make when retelling a story that was originally told back in 96'. Some of the battles that took placed where skipped originally, but they where battles no one would of originally cared about. Sorry Senkaku, I don't feel bad for saying that. 5/5

AUDIO:

The original Japanese cast returns, with the exception of Ken Narita replacing the late Hirotaka Suzuoki, with the spirit and energy like they never where apart. From the first minute hearing Mayo Suzukaze's voice coming out of Kenshin mouth to the end credits, I was one happy fanboy. Ken Narita does such a perfect Saito you would think there wasn't even a change in cast.

The music is also great - Remixed and re:recorded versions of the music from the original T.V. series pulls at the heart. If I had to compair it to something, I would compair it to the FFVII: Advent Children Soundtrack. Enough old school with a whole new feel. I plan to find this soundtrack at AX12 if it's possible. 5/5

VISUAL:

The animation is fantastic. Smooth, crisp, and clear. The characters have alot of feeling in their face with the new character designs. Studio Deen, who animated episode 66+ of the T.V. series did a great job bringing Kenshin back. The battles that once looked a little stiff (Old school anime VS new school anime) are now smooth and quick. I wanted to watch it right away once it was over, but my fiancee reminded me it was way past my bedtime. ^~ 5/5

OVERALL:

Everything about this OAV screamed old school anime with a new feel. The only unfortunate thing about this OAV is that it did skip alot of information. Perhaps this should of been a 3 part OAV, with the first part introducing characters and a little back story. Even without that though, this first part feels like it's just path to the greater battle. I will have high standards for the second part.

Kenshin is back to prove that he isn't some old anime relic, but one of the top known anime characters.

4.75/5 --HIGHEST SCORED REVIEW -- As of 6/10/12

Speaking of the second part, here is the preview for it~

AnimeExpo 2012 Main Event - Yuki Kajiura/FictionJunction

   Yopo and I have finally decided on what main event we will be attending for Anime Expo 2012; Yuki Kajiura/FictionJunction Concert on Friday Night. They gave sung songs for .hack, Gundam Seed, and many more. I've included a few videos to rock out to while time goes by~

TV Review: Adult Swim's Toonami Week 1

It has been gone for many years now, but fans have spoken: Toonami has returned. Now known as Adult Swim's Toonami has premiered last Saturday night replacing Adult Swim's Saturday Anime night. Here is my review for T.O.M.'s return to T.V.  Sense this is less of a review about a single T.V. series or movie, this review will cover the entire new Toonami block. I'll break it down by anime!
 (If the anime was previously on AS, it gets docked a point today.)

Me too, me too..

Bleach:

Inherited from Adult Swim's anime night. Bleach has been about the ongoing adventures of the substitute soul reaper Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends battling various other Soul Reapers, Hallows (Undead evil spirits), or something in-between. The first episode to appear on Toonami wrapped up the most recent arc of the T.V. series where Ichigo and his friends/slight rivals battled against the spirits of their own weapons. Neat idea, but it really didn't need to last thing long. 

Bleach started out as an amazing series but has been pushed and stretched out far enough to loose most of it's original audience. Here is hoping the next arc will be the last. Before you start to flame me with hate-mail, remember that this is only my opinion. Bleach, like Naruto and Dragon Ball before it, has gone on for too long. There is anime that last forever (Doremon, Detective Conan) and then there is anime that often writes itself into a corner and drags on for too long. I wouldn't mind them even starting the series over again seeing how I originally missed most of it.  

2/5.

I love me a women in mittens.

 Deadman Wonderland:

Ganta is framed for the murder of everyone in his classroom, but he claims innocence. He in tossed into a new type of privately ran prison known as Deadman Wonderland along with other hard time criminals. There he meets the enigmatic Shiro, a young girl who apparently already knows him and considers him a good friend.  Ganta also discovers that he can now manipulate his own blood to become a weapon to defend himself. 

An interesting series that for some reason feels like a mix of FMA, Eureka 7, and Durarara. All great series of course, but will this series be able to keep out of the shadows? It seems like it is a little confusing at first, so I hope this series goes somewhere soon. First episode down, 12 more to go~

3/5

Episode 1: Check out the little android girl's panties.

Casshern Sins:

A reboot of the original Casshern, Casshern Sins brings us back to the world where the human race has been destroyed. It seems to of ended this way due to Casshern himself, who is now wanted dead by all robots on the surface. I tried to watch this series some time ago in it's original Japanese language, but honestly it bore me and I never got passed episode 2. Watching it again for a second time reminded me that it wasn't as bad as I originally remembered but then again that may change when I watch episode 2 tonight. Hopefully this series will go somewhere good and fast, because it needs to.  

2/5

We are the brothers who stand for love & justice!

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood:

The second series based on the manga Full Metal Alchemist, Brother hood follows the storyline of the manga much closer then the original T.V. series. New animation of our favorite characters with slight changes to the voice crew. (Roy's Japanese Voice & Al's English are different.) I'm pretty sure all of this series has already played previously on Adult Swim, but I would not mind watching it again. The Elric Brothers are about to make their way to the north where we will be introduced to new characters such as Gen. Armstrong's sister and the new Sloth. Even though this series was inherited from AS's original lineup, it does seem like a perfect match for Toonami.

 4/5

"Dude, you're on my eyes!"

GitS: Stand Alone Complex Second Gig:

The second season of the Ghost in the Shell T.V. series. I honestly love both of these seasons more then I do the original movie. The episode that premiered on Adult Swim's Toonami brought back some good memories. I do love this series, but I've already seen it enough to know the best lines in the episode as soon as it started.

"When you become a prosthetic, can you still have sex?" 

"Want to find out?"

4/5

The Bepop Crew.

Cowboy Bepop:

The classic series about bounty hunters who travel between planets just to make a little cash so they can have beef in their sauteed peppers. This is an anime everyone needs to see at-least once. Great action, fighting, comedy, and even a enough eye-candy for both the sexes. Again though, we would of been watching this anime with or without Toonami.

4/5

Overview: Toonami is just now returning. Remember when Lord Voldemort came back and he started a little weak, or when you die in FFXI you are weakend for a short period before regaining your strength. That is the idea here:

Toonami is reborn, but it still needs people to push it. You want more anime? Demand it and watch Toonami either way. You want more time slots? Then watch it every week! Even though rival channels have taken shows such as DBZ and Naruto, doesn't mean we can't bring back some of the other classic anime. I'm hoping the future will bring a nice lineup such as this:

Long Anime: Bleach is perfect, replace it with One Piece once it is over. Keep the Funimation curse words and blood too! Hell, even Ranma 1/2 would be a great anime to play in this slot.

Hour of new anime: Once Deadman and Casshern are over, maybe another newer anime or lesser known anime could hit this time slot. Air Gear, Fairy Tail, My Bride is a Mermaid, or Vandred would be great for new viewers. 

Hour and a Half of the classics: Kenshin, Evangelion, Gundam, or Tenchi. Keep a rotation of all the classic anime that has been played. After Bepop maybe replay Big O? Then after GitS perhaps run Durarara again? A good mix of old and new would seal the deal. 

I'd like to give you a higher score T.O.M., and here is hoping I can in the near future. 3.4/5

Welcome Back T.O.M. Glad you have you here.

Edit: Something I wanted to mention to everyone:

Remember that Adult Swim became what it was because of Toonami's Midnight Run. Just keep that in mind when you start your complaining. ^.~

AX2012: Ryo Horikawa

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced legendary voice actor Ryo Horikawa as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Best known for the voice of Vegeta in “Dragon Ball Z,” Ryo Horikawa has been performing in movie and TV dramas since grade-school.  He has over 28 years experience as an voice actor and over 45 years experience as an actor. His other credits include, “Saint Seiya” (Andromeda Shun); “Detective CONAN” (Hattori Heiji); “Legend of Galactic Heroes” (Reinhard); “Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 STARDUST MEMORY” (Kou Uraki( and “YuYu Hakusho” (Karasu).

In addition to using his acting talents in animation, Horikawa frequently works on stage, in voice drama, games and other mediums.  He is also a singer and his latest tune is the theme song “Saiyan Brad” of Dragonball kai.  As an AX Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

Ryo Horikawa joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

---One of the three voice actors I want to meet is finally returning to Anime Expo. His voice is the voice I hear when I think of Vegeta. Sorrt Chris Sabat, this guy makes the best Vegeta. Gaaah, can't wait. Going to watch some DBZ in Japanese now. K, thx, bye.

Anime Expo 2012: Holy Hell Mega Update!

All info taken from Anime Expo.org;

Spotlighting the best in Japanese street fashion, Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, welcomes iconic Lolita model Misako Aoki as an Official Fashion Guest of Honor.  Named one of Japan’s three Cute (Kawaii) Ambassadors by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aoki will host Anime Expo’s three fashion shows on Sunday, July 1 as well as a Lolita Tea Party on Saturday, June 30 at 11 a.m.  Anime Expo attendees will also have a chance to connect with the top model at a meet-and-greet and autograph-signing panel when Anime Expo returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

As a top model for BABY, The Stars Shine Bright, Putumayo, Algonquins and other well-known Japanese gothic and Lolita fashion brands, Aoki has graced the pages of the leading Harajuku magazine, “KERA.”  In her role as an Ambassador of Cute, she has traveled the world to help increase appreciation of Japanese fashion and pop culture.  While very active in the Japanese fashion scene, Aoki works to advance social welfare in her primary job as a registered nurse.

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today added model and cosplayer Jessica Nigri to its growing list of Guests of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.  Nigri will appear as “Max,”’ the AX mecha girl mascot and also participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

Jessica Nigiri began channeling her love of gaming, anime, manga, science fiction and movies into cosplaying in 2009.  Since then, she has quickly become a favorite on the cosplay scene with more than 114,000 followers on Facebook. Her popularity has grown even more through her series of cosplay posters and through her appearances in conjunction with the videogame Lollipop Chainsaw.

Nigri, who grew up in New Zealand, now makes her home in Arizona where she is a member of the Arizona Avengers, a non-profit costuming group that helps kids connect through comics.

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced “Fate/Zero” director Ei Aoki as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Ei Aoki made his debut as an episodic director for “Please Teacher!” the TV Series in 2002.  His credits as a director include “The Garden of Sinners” Chapter 1, “GA-REI –Zero-,“ “Wandering Son (Horo Musuko)” and “Girls Bravo” to name a few.  Aoki will team up at Anime Expo with “Fate/Zero” creative members, Producers Hikaru Kondo and Atsuhiro Iwakami and voice actor Rikiya Koyama to give fans an insider’s look at the popular series. As an Official Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced animation director Tatsuo Sato, as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Tatsuo Sato started his career as an animator and an assistant director at Asia-Do. He made his solo directorial debut with the TV series “Soar High! Isami” and has since gone on to direct the TV series “Martian Successor Nadesico” and its sequel feature film “Martian Successor Nadesico: The Motion Picture – Prince Of Darkness.”

Tatsuo collaborated on the avant-garde animation film “Cat Soup” with an old friend, animator/director Masaaki Yuasa. The film won double prizes in the 6th Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal: “Best Short Film” and “Film Critic’s Association Prize”. It was also the winner of the 2001 Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “Excellence Prize” at Japan’s Media Arts Festival. In the same year, he released the TV animation series “Shingu: Secret Of The Stellar Wars” which was based on his own original story. Tatsuo’s most recent TV series is “Shigofumi” and has a new animation project in development.

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced award-winning voice actor Nobuhiko Okamoto as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

A Tokyo native, Nobuhiko Okamoto has a rich background in voice acting. His credits include being the voice of Rin Okumura, the hero of “Blue Exorcist,” Eiji Niizuma of “Bakuman,” Ivan Karelin a.k.a. Origami Cyclone of “Tiger & Bunny,” and Accelerator of “Toaru Majutsuno Index” just to name a few.  He won the Best New Actor Award on the Third Annual Voice Actor Awards and later received the Best Supporting Actor Award on the Fifth Annual Voice Actor Awards. As an Official Guest of Honor, Okamoto will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced Japanese movie, theatrical and voice actor Rikiya Koyama as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

As a voice actor, Koyama has played numerous roles including Yamato of “NARUTO Shippuden”, Coyote Stark of “BLEACH”, Kogoro Mouri of “Detective Conan”, FLASTE SCHOLE of “Gundam UC”, Vash of “FINAL FANTASY XII” and Kuze Hideo of “Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. 2^nd GIG” just to name a few.  Most recently, he plays Kiritsugu Emiya in the hit anime series “Fate/Zero.”

Koyama will team with creative staff, Director Ei Aoki, Producers Hikaru Kondo and Atsuhiro Iwakam to share behind-the-scenes stories of the making of “Fate/Zero” with fans at Anime Expo.  As an Official Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced noted anime producer Hikaru Kondo as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Kondo established the animation studio “ufotable” in 2000.  As a producer, he worked on the 7-theatrical movie series “The Garden of sinners,” “Futakoi Alternative,” “Manabi Straight,” “Tales of Symphonia” and others. Most recently, he produced the TV Series “Fate/Zero,” “the Garden of sinners –Final Chapter-“ as well as directed “Black Rock Shooter the Game”.

In Japan, ufotable opened the first “ufotable café” at its Koenji Studio to promote interaction with fans.  With the success of the first shop, the company opened a second café at Tokushima Studio, followed by the “ufotable dining” restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo.  In addition, in March 2012 it built the “ufotable CINEMA” in Shinjuku, the first movie theater built by an animation company in Japan.

Kondo will team with creative staff, Director Ei Aoki, Producer Atsuhiro Iwakam and voice actor Rikiya Koyama to share behind-the-scenes stories of the making of “Fate/Zero” with fans at Anime Expo.  As an Official Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

There was one more guest announcement, but he deserves his own post..