Issue resolved. ^ ^ Now if only they would of updated it for me too.
Edit: And.. it's back down. On the phone with my host, so hopefully we'll be up very soon!
Kaji of Hunters-guild.org's blog. Covering anime, manga, life, love, and the pursuit of having fun. Feel free to check our most recent post and drop a line. Thanks!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Model Kit Review: Gundam Exia 1/144 HG from Gundam 00
Having survived a move between houses, my Gundam Exia kit is finally completed. Let's get right to it!
Out of the Box:
This being my 9th model kit from the 00 series there was nothing very unexpected. I'd like to say if you've built either High Grades of 00 or one of the various Exia repaints/changed release, then you've built Exia. Most of the 00 series comes with the same types of joints and some similar body parts. Most of the kit was easily assembled with very few problems. My biggest gripe about this kit is some of the plastic ends not wanting to come out nicely. This lead to a small screw up removing the extra plastic from the very top of the head. As I mentioned before, this was my 9th 00 HG model kit and there where no surprises. Easy kit for anyone who's built a few kits already with minor flaws right out of the box. 3/5
Coloring & Detailing:
Let me tell you a little story before I go into this next section: I did my first few model kits back in the late 90's when Gundam Wing was the talk of the mecha town. I made 2-3 kits before my local Electronic's Boutique no longer sold them. I took a break that lasted until about two-three years ago. After seeing the Blood: The Last Vampire live action movie, one of my best friends who I'll call "Tenchi" for now took Yopo and myself to the local anime store in Las Vegas. (Tokyo Discount: A place for overpriced but awesome stuff.) I was looking through the items when I found a First Grade Exia Gundam for around $15. I considered buying it just to build a kit and to relive the experience I had previously. This kit would reopen the door to my model building future. Thanks to a little influence from Cable, his brother, and Tenchi, I got myself back into model kits full time.
This kit would not only be my reintroduction to model kits, but would also be my test subject for numerous model building techniques. This Exia was subbed "Bitch Exia", or "Test Exia" for my PG audience. Now, onto the review.
With most of the HQs, there was little detail needed. The more time you want take to detail the kit, the better it could potentially come out to be. There was a little painting a did on the "ears" and in a few minor places. A grey and black ultra thin marker were perfect for detailing. My goal with this kit was to honor "Bitch Exia" by giving this kit the most attention possible. I still think I have a long way to improve my model kit powers, but I wanted this kit to be almost a tribute to how much I've approved over the last year. This kit would of taken about an hour or two to detail for a normal person.
4/5
4/5
Stability & Movement:
Simple poses with or without a stand are available for all your posing needs. It's not as poseable as my 00 Raiser kit but has better movement than some of the Unicorn HGs that I've completed recently. The slim-figure of Exia makes it easy to balance but the lack in weight of the kit sometimes leads to the kit falling over if you put to much weight on one side. (Such as weapons.) Then again, at least he's able to hold all of his weapons. Seven Swords 00 can't stand with all of his weapons equipped unless you balance him using the weapons. 4/5
Simple poses with or without a stand are available for all your posing needs. It's not as poseable as my 00 Raiser kit but has better movement than some of the Unicorn HGs that I've completed recently. The slim-figure of Exia makes it easy to balance but the lack in weight of the kit sometimes leads to the kit falling over if you put to much weight on one side. (Such as weapons.) Then again, at least he's able to hold all of his weapons. Seven Swords 00 can't stand with all of his weapons equipped unless you balance him using the weapons. 4/5
Overall:
A simple kit that shouldn't take anyone as long as it took me. (Again, was moving during the last few months.) If you've built any of the Gundam HGs from the 00 series, then you've basically built Exia as well. Alot of similar pieces and stickers makes it seem repetitive when you've built a few, but overall it was a fun kit to build. If you can find this kit around $17, it'll be worth every penny.
3.66/5
A simple kit that shouldn't take anyone as long as it took me. (Again, was moving during the last few months.) If you've built any of the Gundam HGs from the 00 series, then you've basically built Exia as well. Alot of similar pieces and stickers makes it seem repetitive when you've built a few, but overall it was a fun kit to build. If you can find this kit around $17, it'll be worth every penny.
3.66/5
There is an uprising brewing: "BRING TOONAMI BACK!"
If you turned onto watch Anime on Adult Swim this past weekend you, like myself and my fiance, we're surprised to see the beginning of a Gundam Wing episode instead of the catchy Durarara! intro. Adult Swim decided to play a little Toonami as a joke. Some people where confused, some cried tears of nostalgia, and some people switched it to another network. (The last was my house hold, but we kept going back every 30min to see what episode of what show was next. Nothing is as nice to fall asleep to as Big O. <3) After it was said and done, we even got a new scene of the Toonami host T.O.M. telling us "April Fools." Hell, the even tossed in a Mass Effect 3 review.
Shortly after, #adultswim tweeted a simple line:
Want it back? Let us know. #BringBackToonami
Within the last few days, over 10,000 people have retweeted it. Some other very amusing comments have appeared on the #BringBackToonami page as well.
Voice actor Yuri Lowenthal (Sasuke from Naruto and many many more) tweets
@blumspew, a.k.a. T.O.M voice actor (amoung other voices) Steve Blum replies
"@adultswim Ok guys... Let's do this thing! #BringBackToonami"
Even people such as Kyle Hebert & Spiderman are supporting this. Let's see how this rocks.
This is not the first time Toonami's fanbase hasn't supported the show. The crew over at ToonamiAftermath.com have been streaming old Toonami shows and more (uncensored versions of anime that was shown originally on Toonami.) Even has been showing anime such as Ranma 1/2 and movies reviewed by the fellows over at Rift Tracks.
Those who have been following Toonami from the start know about it's simple begining and it's untimely downfall. In 2004 the number of shows we're changed from anime action to kid anime action shows such as Duel Masters. Even though they still played great shows like Megas XLR and JL: Unlimited, the choice of programs would eventually decline. Spamming Bakugan, Yugioh, and MegaMan Starforce is what probably killed the ratings. If Toonami is able to come back, it can easily replace the CN action block and take over shows that are currently already playing on Cartoon Network.
Make a dream line up, you say? Don't mind if I do!
Like Adult Swim, I feel Toonami should be an entree of new shows with a side of popular reruns and finished with popular nostalgia.Current shows like the new ThunderCats would fit in perfectly with Toonami as well as others.
Possible ideas for new Toonami shows: One Piece (New Dub. People will love it.), Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals (Naruto Parody SpinOff), and New Batman series (Isn't it that time yet?), Gundam Age (Would be perfect!)
Do you remember what T.O.M. on the final Toonami run?
"So, until we meet again, stay gold. Bang."
Let's meet again soon, T.O.M.!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled - Staff and More Characters Revealed
The offical Japanese Code Geass: Akito the Exiled website (http://www.geass.jp/akito/character.html) has been updated with three new characters and staffing credits. The original characters that were revealed now have voice talent attached to them. Akito will be played by Mayu Irino while Reila will be played by Maaya Sakamoto. The newly reveled characters are Ryo a general for the E.U., the information collector Yukiya, and finally the sword-wielding Ayano.
 |
| I look forward to see her in action. /ecchi |
The website also reveals key staff members including mecha designers from the original Code Geass series, Kenji Teraoka, Takashi Miyamoto, and Takumu Sakura. Check out the full listing at the original site. For you English speakers, ANN has also released a translated artical here.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Some very random things I found cleaning my computer!
 | ||||
| This was a potential comic for parody comics. Maybe one day.. |
 |
| An old screen saver. I love this. |
 |
| The never made unofficial sequel to "Who Wants to Win the Rose Bride." |
 |
| My icon for when my original website went from "Shin-chan's" to "Kaji's" |
 | ||
| First top-pick as Kaji's. |
 |
| My favorite top-picture from the old site. This was right before we changed to Hunters-Guild.org. |
 |
| Finally, my mad paint skills circa 1999ish, |
TV Series Review: The Walking Dead Season 2
After a very impressive first season of The Walking Dead, AMC's new hit show returns for a second season to remind us that during the zombie apocalypse you should be more concerned with the living then the dead. There be spoilers ahead, so read on with caution. Dead men may tell no tales, but the undead sure make a fun story.
STORY: The first episode started with something we haven't seen sense the first episode of season 1. A herd of walkers taking a walk though the highway that our protaganists just so happen to be stopping at. During this, Carol's daughter Sophia decides to get aggro and take a run into the nearby woods. (In the MMO world, we call this "Training." Training as in the one that goes "Chochoo", not the one that Goku seems to do every season of DB.) Two walkers give chase as Rick peruses opening up Season 2 with a little panic. This sets up what I call "Season 2 Part 1: Hershel's Farm & Finding Sophia Arc." The story slows down a little after the first few episodes. We get a few wow factor's from Shane and a great part with Daryl being completely delusional. Moving onto the 3 month gap "Rick & Shane's Relationship Issues Arc", the story blossoms out as Rick's relationship with Shane starts to turn from best friends to rival's for Lori's heart. Unfortunately, neither of them seem to realize that Lori is a bitch and the show would probably be better off if they worked together and ignored Lori. Despite the slow slump near the end of the mid-season the story picks up nicely giving us a season I was ready to watch again as soon as it was over. 4.5/5
DIRECTION: I've always stood by the idea of following the original story perfectly, but I find myself saying the opposite with The Walking Dead.
They took the basics of the comic and used new twists and turns to toss off the readers of the comic. Some character have lived longer then there comic counterpart, and some have died quicker. Like I stated earlier, usually I'm the guy that can tell you what they changed from the book/novel/manga to the movie/series and why they should of kept it. This, like the Death Note movies, is a great exception. You never know who's going to be bit next, shot accidentally, or have sexual intercourse. Even introducing characters that are not from the comic have been benefiting the show. (Google Dixon Chicks, and you'll see why.) 5/5
CHARACTERS: Character development has come along way from season one. Rick is starting to change to suit this new world. Characters such as Shane and Carol are seeking deeper in a darkness while newly introduced characters such as Hershel and Maggie are making the story even sweeter. One of my favorite developments in this season character wise is Shane. We did not get to see him this far into the comics. Rick's best friend also is the mirror image of Rick himself. Where Rick is holding onto his humanity, Shane believes that the time to be humane is over. The only thing this season suffers from is the "red shirts." People who where introduced early in the season who you knew would be dead by the end. I guess everyone needs a little fodder, but let's hope the impact of their deaths lasts intro season 3. Even if it's only a little. 4.5/5
AUDIO: The music is nothing short of perfect to the tone of this series. It's nothing I'd run out and buy in a CD form, but still fits the series extremely well. 5/5
VISUAL: Even though there was less money to be spent per episode, Season 2's special effect department was on the ball here. All of the walkers looked like they would walk right though the TV. Some of the CG blood from head shots looked a little to CG, but then again I've never seen anyone take a bullet to the head in real life to compare. Know a few people who I woulden't mind practicing on. j/k 5/5
OVERALL: This season was a thrill ride. If they can keep things interesting as they have been, season 3 will be nothing short of eye-popping, jaw-dropping, underpants-accidenting excitement. From the moment the credits rolled and a commercial came on for "The Talking Dead," I popped right over to Amazon.com to preorder season 2 on DVD. 4.8/5
SPOILERS AHOY!!!!!!!
BEST MOMENTS:
Best Line: "I can't profess to understand God's plan, but when Christ promised a resurrection of the dead, I just thought he had something a little different in mind."
Best Scene: Shane & Rick Finally Settle Things. The moon setting while they stand on the hill. Fantastic!
Best Surprise: A Wild Michonne Appears! Could not of asked for a better way to introduce a new character.
WORST MOMENTS:
Worst Line: "Where's Carl?" Carl became the kid who never listens this season. Whenever he's told to stay put, he sneaks away. I blame his mom. :D
Worst Scene: Lori's Car Accident. Seriously? You could not look at the map BEFORE you started driving?
Worst Surprise: "What the hell do you mean, February?!" 6 episodes. 6 episodes after waiting almost a year. We where promised 12 season 2 episodes, and we eventually got it after the 3 month gap between the mid-season finale. Way to keep me wanting.
End of Spoilers!!
STORY: The first episode started with something we haven't seen sense the first episode of season 1. A herd of walkers taking a walk though the highway that our protaganists just so happen to be stopping at. During this, Carol's daughter Sophia decides to get aggro and take a run into the nearby woods. (In the MMO world, we call this "Training." Training as in the one that goes "Chochoo", not the one that Goku seems to do every season of DB.) Two walkers give chase as Rick peruses opening up Season 2 with a little panic. This sets up what I call "Season 2 Part 1: Hershel's Farm & Finding Sophia Arc." The story slows down a little after the first few episodes. We get a few wow factor's from Shane and a great part with Daryl being completely delusional. Moving onto the 3 month gap "Rick & Shane's Relationship Issues Arc", the story blossoms out as Rick's relationship with Shane starts to turn from best friends to rival's for Lori's heart. Unfortunately, neither of them seem to realize that Lori is a bitch and the show would probably be better off if they worked together and ignored Lori. Despite the slow slump near the end of the mid-season the story picks up nicely giving us a season I was ready to watch again as soon as it was over. 4.5/5
DIRECTION: I've always stood by the idea of following the original story perfectly, but I find myself saying the opposite with The Walking Dead.
They took the basics of the comic and used new twists and turns to toss off the readers of the comic. Some character have lived longer then there comic counterpart, and some have died quicker. Like I stated earlier, usually I'm the guy that can tell you what they changed from the book/novel/manga to the movie/series and why they should of kept it. This, like the Death Note movies, is a great exception. You never know who's going to be bit next, shot accidentally, or have sexual intercourse. Even introducing characters that are not from the comic have been benefiting the show. (Google Dixon Chicks, and you'll see why.) 5/5
CHARACTERS: Character development has come along way from season one. Rick is starting to change to suit this new world. Characters such as Shane and Carol are seeking deeper in a darkness while newly introduced characters such as Hershel and Maggie are making the story even sweeter. One of my favorite developments in this season character wise is Shane. We did not get to see him this far into the comics. Rick's best friend also is the mirror image of Rick himself. Where Rick is holding onto his humanity, Shane believes that the time to be humane is over. The only thing this season suffers from is the "red shirts." People who where introduced early in the season who you knew would be dead by the end. I guess everyone needs a little fodder, but let's hope the impact of their deaths lasts intro season 3. Even if it's only a little. 4.5/5
AUDIO: The music is nothing short of perfect to the tone of this series. It's nothing I'd run out and buy in a CD form, but still fits the series extremely well. 5/5
VISUAL: Even though there was less money to be spent per episode, Season 2's special effect department was on the ball here. All of the walkers looked like they would walk right though the TV. Some of the CG blood from head shots looked a little to CG, but then again I've never seen anyone take a bullet to the head in real life to compare. Know a few people who I woulden't mind practicing on. j/k 5/5
OVERALL: This season was a thrill ride. If they can keep things interesting as they have been, season 3 will be nothing short of eye-popping, jaw-dropping, underpants-accidenting excitement. From the moment the credits rolled and a commercial came on for "The Talking Dead," I popped right over to Amazon.com to preorder season 2 on DVD. 4.8/5
SPOILERS AHOY!!!!!!!
BEST MOMENTS:
Best Line: "I can't profess to understand God's plan, but when Christ promised a resurrection of the dead, I just thought he had something a little different in mind."
Best Scene: Shane & Rick Finally Settle Things. The moon setting while they stand on the hill. Fantastic!
Best Surprise: A Wild Michonne Appears! Could not of asked for a better way to introduce a new character.
WORST MOMENTS:
Worst Line: "Where's Carl?" Carl became the kid who never listens this season. Whenever he's told to stay put, he sneaks away. I blame his mom. :D
Worst Scene: Lori's Car Accident. Seriously? You could not look at the map BEFORE you started driving?
Worst Surprise: "What the hell do you mean, February?!" 6 episodes. 6 episodes after waiting almost a year. We where promised 12 season 2 episodes, and we eventually got it after the 3 month gap between the mid-season finale. Way to keep me wanting.
End of Spoilers!!
Hunters-Guild.org; Still having problems.
Will be calling my service provider on Monday to figure out what the hell has been going on. I'll have a couple posts to fill in your Kaji needs in the meantime. Till then, enjoy dancing baby Finn.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)