tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52596838697064170932024-03-12T20:09:37.891-07:00Hazard's PlayhouseHazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.comBlogger307125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-79081428101334866102018-02-14T14:00:00.000-08:002018-02-14T14:00:42.709-08:00Darling in the Franxx - The Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For once, I'm not going to talk about the not so subtle symbolism of the series.<br />
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Instead, I'm going to talk about the kids finally interacting like people.<br />
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Episode 5 was not an action-heavy episode. However, that does not mean it wasn't important. It did something that had been missing from the series for a long time. It gave me reason to care about the cast.<br />
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Just about every moment in episode 5 serves a purpose, and that's great. For a long time now, 02 had been the best character by virtue of being the only one who had a character. Ichigo was a distant second since she at least had the jealousy thing going on. Hiro was bland. The rest were just a bunch of faces in the background.<br />
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Episode 5 changes that. It introduces a dynamic, interactions that feel very genuine. Hiro shows more sides of himself this episode than ever before. Ichigo struggles to reconcile her jealously with her protectiveness of Hiro and her role in the team. Goro... Goro goes from bland guy whose name I could barely remember to bro.<br />
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He's Gobro now.<br />
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Even the less important kids get something to do. Zorome gets to be more than just annoying. Mitsuru shows he is still dealing with what happened to him the other episode. Kokoro (fat kid's partner) actually gets something to do other than just being the happy one.<br />
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So yeah, good going! Action is good but I really hope we get more episodes like this one too.<br />
<br />Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-38841918452735745732018-02-12T13:28:00.002-08:002018-02-12T13:28:54.727-08:00Houshin Engi - What Was Skipped 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once again, <b>Houshin Engi</b> tells a good story in the worst way.<br />
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Episode 4 starts with an unnecessary flash-forward. Again.<br />
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The episode proper begins with Taikoubou who is now a strategist. Then some new guy shows up. But wait, here comes the flashback to explain things, and a flashback within a flashback to explain even more things!<br />
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It was a mess.<br />
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Seriously, who looked at this and went? Yeah, that's a great way to tell the story.<br />
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In an earlier post, I talked about some of the cruel things Dakki did in the early volumes. One of them was gathering the four kings that serve the Emperor and killing half. Of the remaining two, one chooses to become a lapdog. The other one, Ki Shou, is too noble for that and sticks to his principles.<br />
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For a moment, it looks like Dakki is going to execute him However, Hiko interferes in his favor and asks the Emperor to spare his life as killing Ki Shou could have negative consequences on the Empire.<br />
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Like that, Ki Shou, King of the West, becomes a prisoner. He stays that way for <i>years</i>.<br />
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Ki Shou's firstborn travels to the capital to ask the Emperor for his father's release. At this point, I should mention people in other provinces of the Empire don't know how much power Dakki has over the Emperor. They don't even know she is not human.<br />
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In fact, one of the reasons Ki Shou went to the capital was because he wanted to see if there was any truth to the rumors of the Emperor going down a bad road.<br />
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Anyway, Ki Shou's son travels to the capital. He tries to get his father freed but fails and is killed by Dakki.<br />
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Yes, by the way, the hamburger they gave Ki Shou was literally his son.<br />
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After this, Dakki releases Ki Shou, and he returns to the part of the country he rules over. However, he does not immediately rise up in rebellion. The way in which his son was killed really hurt his spirit.<br />
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Enter, Bukichi!<br />
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You know, that one character that suddenly appeared at Taikoubou's side this episode? Yeah, that guy. He actually had a purpose in the story.<br />
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In the manga, Bukichi approaches Taikoubou (who has earned a bit of fame by this point in the story) and asks to become his disciple. However, an accident happens, and Bukichi is jailed and set for execution.<br />
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Taikoubou immediately calls out Ki Shou's on this. He's willing to execute Bukichi who accidentally broke the law, but is unwilling to do anything about Dakki who willfully and gleefully hurts countless citizens of the Empire every day.<br />
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The words spur Ki Shou to seek advice from Taikoubou who tells him that he must become Emperor.<br />
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Ki Shou accepts this burden and makes Taikoubou his strategist. It's a very iconic scene.<br />
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It is very unlikely you got anything close to the full experience just by watching the anime.Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-58914860398624339792018-02-05T14:00:00.000-08:002018-02-05T14:00:14.207-08:00Houshin Engi - What Was Skipped 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Episode 3 of <i>Houshin Engi</i> is probably the best of the lot. It's not high praise, but it is what it is. It still rushed things. It still introduced parts from later in the story entirely too early, but it didn't mangle anything too badly.<br />
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At least, that's how I saw it. Talking with some anime-only people (the few that still exist) led me to understand just how lost some people may have felt about certain things.<br />
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Let's go into it!<br />
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I'm going to say something important first. The first five or so volumes of <i>Houshin Engi</i> have very dense storytelling. They set up a lot of events and little details that are going to pay off later in the story.<br />
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To properly adapt the first volume of <i>Houshin Engi</i>, you need <i>at least</i> four episodes.<br />
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In fact, you can turn the entire first volume into a 10-episode anime if you push it. You'd need to move around some things but it's doable.<br />
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When you make the change from panels to animation, you're going to need to give things their proper time.<br />
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One panel of manga does not equal one second of animation. Fight panels can be done quickly. Panels with people talking require more time. If you have a panel with a caption box, then you need to figure out a way for that information to reach the viewers.<br />
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More importantly it is easier to reread a manga panel than it is to rewatch a scene. When you adapt a manga into an anime, you need to take all those things into account.<br />
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Hiko's wife (Her name is Kashi by the way) and sister appear in volume four. They are introduced and killed in the same chapter.<br />
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I'm not going to lie and tell you it's not sudden in the manga, because it is. However, by this point, you have plenty of reasons to care about Hiko. There is a tragic element to it, because it is what fully breaks Hiko's relationship with the Empire and, by extension, with Bunchuu.<br />
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More importantly, the manga conveys a lot more information than the few short minutes the anime gave us.<br />
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The anime poorly tried to foreshadow this in a blink and you'll miss it moment. When Hiko tries to help out Taikoubou in episode 1, Dakki reminds him they have his sister hostage.<br />
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Kou Hiko comes from a very important family. They have served the Empire for generations and his sister was made part of the Emperor's harem. Once upon a time, that was probably an honor, but then Dakki and all her demons came.<br />
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Now Hiko's sister is a hostage.He cannot do much or else his sister may be killed.<br />
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Like the rest of the Emperor's wives (save Dakki), Hiko's sister lives in the palace harem. Males are not allowed in there. In fact, the Imperial Harem does not allow any visitors.<br />
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There is just one exception, during the New Year.<br />
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That's the only time when Hiko's sister can receive a (female) visitor.<br />
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<br />
Hiko's wife, being a kind woman, has made this trip for quite a few years now. She's probably the only friendly face Hiko's sister gets to see and only once a year at that. Anyway, this time something different happens during her annual visit.<br />
<br />
Dakki shows up.<br />
<br />
See, all of this is happening right after Bunchuu leaves. Last time he was in the capital, he began unmaking everything Daki made. Dakki can't have that happen again.<br />
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<br />
Dakki has arranged for the Emperor to be there that day. Normally, it is taboo for the Emperor to meet the wife of one of his subjects. If you want to know why, just look up all the times a King or Emperor had one of his subjects killed so he could marry their hot wife.<br />
<br />
Since the Emperor is under Dakki's control, it only takes a few words from her to make him desperately want to see Hiko's wife. When he does, he decides to take her as his.<br />
<br />
However, Hiko's wife is not having any of that. She knows she cannot refuse the Emperor or her husband will be punished in her place so she takes the only alternative available to her.<br />
<br />
She dies as Hiko's wife.<br />
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<br />
If you aren't familiar with stories that take place in ancient Japan or China, this may come as a big shock. However, the Emperor's authority is a big deal. Also, honor and stuff.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this pushes Hiko's sister to the brink. She punches the Emperor and also kills herself. She knows the only reason this has happened was because she has been a prisoner all this time. With her out of the way, Hiko can do whatever she wants.<br />
<br />
Hiko is now free to leave the Empire.<br />
<br />
And that's what Dakki wanted.<br />
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<br />
Together, Hiko and Bunchuu were a threat to her rule. Separated? Not so much.<br />
<br />
See, Bunchuu is fanatically loyal to the Empire. For that reason, he cannot allow Hiko to serve another lord. He is a too important figure. Whoever he serves acquires more legitimacy. That's why Dakki sets up this whole thing.<br />
<br />
Now that Hiko is leaving, she has forced Bunchuu to move against him. which strengthens her rule and debilitates Bunnchu who has to go up against his best friend.<br />
<br />
The anime fails to properly convey any of that.Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-84157341730620782362018-02-01T14:00:00.000-08:002018-02-01T14:00:40.127-08:00Darling the Franxx - The Adults<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
With its very blatant metaphors for sex and doggy style cockpits, it can be easy to miss that there is other stuff going on in this anime. Puberty is not just about sex.<br />
<br />
There's also annoying adults and their rules to consider.<br />
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Let's talk about it.<br />
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<br />
While not as blatant as the sex metaphors, <i>Darling in the Franxx</i> cannot be accused of being subtle. After all, the kids are literally called parasites.<br />
<br />
No, they are not just parasites because they are inside the robots. They are parasites because they are parasites on society by virtue of being teenagers.<br />
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Hell, the guy in charge is literally called Papa.<br />
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The "parents" put the kids into pairs and tell them their worth is decided by how well they can perform (have sex and procreate). If they can't do it, they have no worth as people. The kids don't even get to live in the real cities. They live separated from the real world in a place that's literally called a birdcage.<br />
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The society in this anime has very strict rules and regulations. There is heavy indoctrination going on.<br />
<br />
Enter 02 and Hiro to throw a wrench into things.<br />
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<div>
Let's think of the pilot pairs as arranged marriages for a moment, because that's what they are. They are not decided on personal chemistry. They are based on whether two people can pilot together or not. Ichigo is the perfect example of this. </div>
<br />
Even though Ichigo's heart is clearly elsewhere, she and her partner get along well. They are amicable. They can pilot, and that's what's important. Not that they love each other, but that they are able to have sex. They can fulfill their social obligations.<br />
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Hiro and 02 don't work like that. They don't fit in the normal arranged marriages the parents are putting everyone else in.<br />
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Hiro is someone who people thought was going to be successful when he was a kid. Then he couldn't perform his role in the relationship and was deemed a failure by the people around him. Meanwhile, 02 is the opposite, she was too much for any of the partners they set her up with.<br />
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However, lo and behold, they can work together. They have compatible kinks. They are actually into each other.<br />
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Now, at this point, the authorities should realize they have hit gold, but this is not an anime where adults are smart and capable. This is speaking directly to teenagers. Adults are an obstacle. Adults are old-fashioned and just don't get it.<br />
<br />
Indeed, the adults are having none of Hiro and 02's new age fetishes. It's not normal. It's not how relationships are supposed to go. It's not "how it is done."<br />
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Instead, they try to, once again, make them fit the mold.<br />
<br />
Hiro is put in a relationship with Ichigo, a more traditionally feminine character. Likewise, one episode later, the adults' refusal to let Hiro and 02 team-up leads to 02 being paired with Mitsuru, a more traditionally masculine character than Hiro.<br />
<br />
Both attempts fail. Hiro can't get hard for Ichigo. She doesn't do it for him. Mitsuru can't handle 02. She's not someone he can control. She's the one who does the controlling. Both their partners suffer in different ways because adults simply don't get it.<br />
<br />
Society is the enemy. It's not a question. It's as natural as gravity. The only question is how will 02 and Hiro deal with it? Will they get the adults to accept their relationship? Or will they run away from the cold and lifeless city?Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-89892990784459467992018-01-31T14:00:00.000-08:002018-02-01T06:29:51.705-08:00Houshin Engi - Terms and Cosmology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sennin. Doshi. Sendo. Paopei.<br />
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If you've been watching <i>Houshin Engi</i> so far, you have heard these terms thrown at you with little explanation as to what they mean.<br />
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Since the anime has barely explained its terminology by the third episode, I might as well take a stab at it for the few anime-only watchers.<br />
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Let's start!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<br />
<b>What's a Sennin? </b><br />
<br />
If you watch a lot of anime, you have probably encountered the term before. For example, there's Naruto's Sennin Mode (Sage Mode). In Dragon Ball, Master Roshi is sometimes called Kame-Sennin (Turtle Hermit).<br />
<br />
<b>Sennin </b>is a word that can be translated as Hermit or Sage. In <i>Houshin Engi</i>, however, the most appropriate translation would be Immortal.<br />
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<i>Houshin Engi</i> is based on a classical Chinese novel, <i>The Investiture of the Gods</i> or <i>Fengshen Yanyi</i>. As such, it borrows a lot from classical Chinese myths and folklore. Fans of the Xianxia genre should already be familiar with the concept of Taoist immortals. Those who aren't, just know that Immortals are a thing in many old Chinese stories.<br />
<br />
In Houshin Engi's take on the concept, one among hundreds of thousands of people can be born with special Sennin Bones. Only those people can be taken to the Sennin World and be trained to become Sennin.<br />
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In addition to being extraordinary long-lived (duh), Sennin have a bunch of advantages over regular humans. However, before someone becomes a Sennin, he must first be a Doshi.<br />
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<b>What's a Doshi then? A Sendo?</b><br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Doshi </b>are those who are training to become Sennin. Basically, they are apprentices. At least, in theory. Those who become officially recognized as Sennin have to take apprentices. Some Doshi would prefer to not take apprentices thus they stay as Doshi instead of becoming Sennin.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other words, while Doshi are apprentices in rank, it is entirely possible for there to be Doshi who are stronger than some Sennin. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Taikoubou, the protagonist, is a Doshi. His master, the dude with the very large head, is one of the strongest Sennin there is. </div>
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<b>Sendo </b>is a catch-all term for Sennin and Doshi.</div>
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<b>What's a Paopei?</b></div>
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<b>Paopei </b>are magical weapons that only Sennin and Doshi can use. Each one has a special power. Some control the elements. Some trap people into tiny balls. Others create entirely different dimensions.<br />
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So yeah, business as usual for shounen manga.<br />
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<b>What happens to those who are born with Sennin bones but aren't taken to the Sennin World?</b><br />
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Sennin scout the human world looking for those born with Sennin bones in order to train them, but they aren't perfect. Certain people just slip through the cracks and end up growing in the Human World.<br />
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Those people become <b>Tennen Doshi</b>.<br />
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Sennin and Doshi learn how to focus their power into their Paopei. Tennen Doshi don't. Their power runs wild through their body resulting in increased physical abilities compared to others.<br />
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<b>What's Dakki then?</b><br />
<br />
Good question. So far we have covered how humans become Sennin. However, anything can become a Sennin.<br />
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Not anyone. Anything. Foxes. Flowers. Musical Instruments. Anything.<br />
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Humans have to be born with special bones. However, animals and objects that receive enough sunlight and moonlight can gain intelligence. With enough practice, they can take human form. Those who are able to remain in human form all the time become Sennin.<br />
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Those who become Sennin through this process are known as <b>Youkai Sennin</b>.<br />
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So basically, they are demons.<br />
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<b>What's the Sennin World?</b><br />
<br />
I've been throwing the term around throughout this post, so I might as well explain it to finish things. In <i>Houshin Engi</i>, there's the Human World and the Sennin World. The Human World is where most of the story takes place. It's pretty much fantasy ancient China.<br />
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The Sennin World, contrary to what it may sound, is not actually a separate dimension.<br />
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The Sennin World consists of two giant floating locations. A giant floating mountain where human Sennin live, Kun Lun Mountain, and a giant floating island where Youkai Sennin live, Kingo Island.<br />
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Thus the Sennin World is, quite literally, above the Human World.<br />
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Anyway, this is all stuff that should have been slowly introduced to the viewers over the first 3-4 episodes, but I have little faith the anime will pull it off successfully at this point. I hope this helps someone.Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-40734750752747532452018-01-24T14:00:00.000-08:002018-01-24T14:00:13.235-08:00Devilman Crybaby: Mixed Feelings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The latest adaptation of Go Nagai's classic manga, Devilman, has been out for some time now, and people are already calling it anime of the year.<br />
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Me? I have mixed feelings about it. Let's talk about them.<br />
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Crybaby has many good points, and I feel it does some interesting things with the source material. I get why people like it. At the same time, I hold the manga to be the superior product. In fact, I'll go as far as to say that some of the changes the anime made to the source material were for the worse.<br />
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Perhaps the best example of this to me is the character of Ryo.<br />
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Since we are talking about Ryo it should go without saying this post will contain spoilers. If you don't want to be spoiled turn back now.<br />
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...<br />
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Good?<br />
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Okay.<br />
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Ryo in the anime is confident, calculating, and pretty much a sociopath. You know he is up to something shady from the start. I even checked with my non-manga reading friends just to be sure it wasn't my perception playing tricks on me. While you don't expect him to literally be the devil, you're not that surprised when he stabs Akira in the back.<br />
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The anime takes this colder Ryo and runs with it. His big realization at the end is that he has emotions. He feels. He loves. All along, he has loved Akira, and now he has lost him due to his actions.<br />
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This take on him makes him a less sympathetic character.<br />
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If Crybaby Ryo is cold, then manga Ryo is, without a doubt, hot. In stark contrast with his anime version, the manga version of Ryo is just full of emotion.<br />
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When the reader first meets him, he looks confident just like the Crybaby version. However, as the volume goes on, it becomes painfully clear that Ryo is steps away from losing his mind. He is completely out of his depth with the whole demon thing and barely keeping it together, a far cry from the almost Kira-esque Crybaby version.<br />
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In short, manga Ryo is a very human guy.<br />
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This overflow of emotion has a natural effect on the conclusion of his character arc. Manga Ryo knows emotions. He does not need an epic fight to realize he loves Akira. He understands his love of Akira from the beginning, and he understands it even more once he realizes who he truly is.<br />
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Zenon gets a pretty good moment in the manga where he spells out to Ryo that he ruined the whole plan because he let himself love this one person too much, and Ryo knows he's right, but he's also so damn torn about his feelings for Akira.<br />
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In contrast to the Crybaby version, what Ryo realizes at the end of the manga is his own hypocrisy.<br />
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Like Crybaby version, manga Ryo gets a monologue at the end. However, it's a very different one. Like I said, this Ryo does not need to realize he loves Akira.<br />
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Ryo explains how he grew fond of demons, how god decided to destroy them, and how he fought to protect them much like Akira fought to protect humans. However, when Ryo woke up after hibernation and found humans had populated the Earth, Ryo began to hate them.<br />
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Like I said, Ryo is a character guided by his passions.<br />
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Ryo decided to destroy the humans just like god decided to destroy the demons, and that's something he only realizes at the end, after all his beloved demons are dead, the humans area dead, the devilmen are dead, and the love of his life is dead.<br />
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Ryo realizes that somewhere along the way, he became what he hated and lost everything. It ties into the large themes of Devilman, everyone can become a monster.<br />
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In many ways, the story of Devilman is the story of Ryo.<br />
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At the end of it all, we have to be able to empathize with him a little in order to truly appreciate his tragedy as a tragedy. Because this is not just Akira's tragedy. It's Ryo's tragedy as well. It's his pain and suffering too.<br />
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I could not bring myself to care about Crybaby Ryo crying.<br />
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I did care about manga Ryo crying.Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-75730004646170296702018-01-22T14:00:00.000-08:002018-01-22T14:00:01.523-08:00Darling in the Franxx - Was it a Sex Thing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Somewhat surprisingly, I saw this question pop up from a few people who were worrying their dirty minds were leading them astray.<br />
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The answer is yes, by the way. It was totally about sex.<br />
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See the full post for the slightly longer answer.<br />
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Evey so often, and by that I mean quite often, a studio goes and makes an anime that really goes and tackles all those things we hate about puberty. Adults being the worst. Realizing your body is changing.<br />
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The first time a girl hugged you, and you noticed how soft her breasts felt.<br />
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<i>Darling in the Franxx</i> is that show this season and it's not being remotely subtle about it. The boring monologue about birds that mate for life was kind of a big clue. The doggy style cockpit just slaps you in the face with it.<br />
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The whole male-female pilot pairs is about relationships. It's about growing closer to the opposite sex. Your first love. Your first girlfriend and all that stuff. It's why it's so important for the pairs to get along.<br />
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But really, all those things are a metaphor for sex and sexual chemistry.<br />
<br />
This episode was Hiro, the protagonist, being unable to get his dick hard for Ichigo, the blue girl, because he's just not into her. He can only get hard for Oni girl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTyd71Qbh9h33q5SqJrA2PrueZ66HKGhF9OkPYrzv9F8CjllFBo7q2nuiy7uWfus9Rk1Le6SOwlyLtsIz2TwEXH19SC7bP2c8pjfPulx8NI51VWN9xvL8ItLjAl2nv7Lv2mMcoYJSZgR_/s1600/1516525680937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTyd71Qbh9h33q5SqJrA2PrueZ66HKGhF9OkPYrzv9F8CjllFBo7q2nuiy7uWfus9Rk1Le6SOwlyLtsIz2TwEXH19SC7bP2c8pjfPulx8NI51VWN9xvL8ItLjAl2nv7Lv2mMcoYJSZgR_/s400/1516525680937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Naturally, this is a huge fear teenagers (and people of other ages but especially teenagers) have. What if the person I like is not into me? What if I'm not attractive enough?<br />
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It was a very humiliating experience for Ichigo.<br />
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It was also painful, if hilarious, to watch due to how blatant it is.Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-75666761816483342412018-01-20T14:00:00.000-08:002018-01-22T09:25:34.957-08:00Houshin Engi - What was Skipped! 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ktUXPk-FYmSqD8lEgj7_2sJtu9daNEjJHE9qi_pTE2_EefiteNV8qc9Dl1bHUnGcQKEmgG_PTLtNaUxiMZaF_afR80PgmBYuh0eSMfmirD7duk_p1phtPyMWMMAwML_E4oEQHxG9uyZd/s1600/zHemkXk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="715" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ktUXPk-FYmSqD8lEgj7_2sJtu9daNEjJHE9qi_pTE2_EefiteNV8qc9Dl1bHUnGcQKEmgG_PTLtNaUxiMZaF_afR80PgmBYuh0eSMfmirD7duk_p1phtPyMWMMAwML_E4oEQHxG9uyZd/s400/zHemkXk.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I wanted a good anime!</td></tr>
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I'll say right away the title of this post is a little misleading. It should be <b>Houshin Engi - The Utterly Bizarre Structure of Episode 2</b></div>
<b><br /></b>Regardless, let's get to it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9TYWZ08B6kVA9pHJGy6A2OgRObiNGruAJR7nZUNabTd8C2TXQXllZSuhF8xY5Komy46aOtTkus-JlzSCGzl7XsvGskWq8EdjmdSP5LP6sfEOHBqMMzB5grFiXNNSNvkuMiJW2iRMukT6/s1600/1516377610297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9TYWZ08B6kVA9pHJGy6A2OgRObiNGruAJR7nZUNabTd8C2TXQXllZSuhF8xY5Komy46aOtTkus-JlzSCGzl7XsvGskWq8EdjmdSP5LP6sfEOHBqMMzB5grFiXNNSNvkuMiJW2iRMukT6/s320/1516377610297.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first episode tried to fit an entire story arc in a single episode. Predictably, it did a very poor job with it. The second episode had a much simpler task. It just had to tell Nataku's story. It's just four simple chapters. It's a little hard, but doable.<br />
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You know what this episode did not have to do?<br />
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Trying to fit in Bunchuu and Hiko's entire friendship in the first eight minutes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJdtFDfism0__EQXTXKrgUPaQJw6dz8dQdB5DEn7j438vNnoIJxpBezaw3o2JOvwvovOJB7dV8DWurlZ8VqNmqtdOAUrIeF_COzeKEDfR8DnrlEyAbSPTu7_cVqGcN8pAWBj-M0roQPum/s1600/gauPb1h.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="705" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJdtFDfism0__EQXTXKrgUPaQJw6dz8dQdB5DEn7j438vNnoIJxpBezaw3o2JOvwvovOJB7dV8DWurlZ8VqNmqtdOAUrIeF_COzeKEDfR8DnrlEyAbSPTu7_cVqGcN8pAWBj-M0roQPum/s400/gauPb1h.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The episode starts with a completely unnecessary flash-forward. We got one last episode. We did not need another one. It takes precious time away from everything else. More importantly, it's not that good.<br />
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Flash-forwards are supposed to be cool. For example, Fate/Apocrypha starts with a big epic battle to assure the readers that there's going to be awesome action in the future so please bear with the exposition heavy first episode. A flash-forward baits the readers into staying with the promise of better things down the line.<br />
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Houshin Engi started its first episode with a flash-forward to assure the readers that this time the anime was going to adapt things all the way to the Sennin War at least. It does not have cool animation but it does have that promise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvgkbp0IMWO206OfA7uHmROdS5hXi7SjA2dvmTxspOH2VoMpYHsrGrpG895sfiTmhzQfh6UTWpr_4vnx3K_fHC9tvOd93jxy5JFXGg-dPYgYOE85_tPKKtOpbUZ5glFwVGJ_wD-kAXC96/s1600/hvd6snC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="707" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvgkbp0IMWO206OfA7uHmROdS5hXi7SjA2dvmTxspOH2VoMpYHsrGrpG895sfiTmhzQfh6UTWpr_4vnx3K_fHC9tvOd93jxy5JFXGg-dPYgYOE85_tPKKtOpbUZ5glFwVGJ_wD-kAXC96/s400/hvd6snC.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile, the flash-forward this episode sloppily handles a very emotional moment in the manga. They try to use it to structure this episode around Bunchuu and Hiko's friendship and its eventual breakdown. Because clearly the big blood splatter in the OP wasn't a big enough clue.<br />
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The attempt falls flat.<br />
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The first seven minutes of the episode are torturous.<br />
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The narrative changes from scene to scene to flashback to scene so often and awkwardly that you barely have time to process each scene. The way the map location changes with each transition is supposed to be helpful but quickly grows annoying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5l62La6LS9glhD_jbutQ-1xrr7nSD_I5Ib7eR2VA65a1ohuUaDItdikQAWGTsjmX_pxrrcli0uqgoKL1rVx_J-R8yMiVm5E6L-br58oO45M5WNHu7QLo1FldbLrYOLTFI1puedCV97syX/s1600/qAfGFeM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="704" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5l62La6LS9glhD_jbutQ-1xrr7nSD_I5Ib7eR2VA65a1ohuUaDItdikQAWGTsjmX_pxrrcli0uqgoKL1rVx_J-R8yMiVm5E6L-br58oO45M5WNHu7QLo1FldbLrYOLTFI1puedCV97syX/s400/qAfGFeM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manga readers will be able to appreciate why showing this flashback this soon was dumb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The flashbacks are the worst. Good Lord, what were they thinking with those? There are around three flashbacks this episode (not counting Nataku's scenes). Each one tries to expand on Bunchuu and/or his relationship with Hiko. They all fail at those because they are too damn short.<br />
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The episode does not give enough time for any of their scenes to set in.<br />
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The biggest offender is the flashback to the reason why Bunchuu is so devoted to the country of Yin. There is no narration or dialogue. There's just a bunch of still images that pass by in less than a minute.<br />
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It's a humongous slap on the face to the character. Only manga fans will be able to get it since they have read the vastly superior source material. Anime fans will be at a loss unless the anime does the scene later (in which case why show it now?).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2lnkQyoUIAbZNY-d5B4k9J_Vp7_hmhjQiBHPgb5pVv3OIjzdCvPJRqC3aZGB8sHvCZVeVtmoR9CewsyFR2KiwVurRyAdfgyXCnI1B0__RFng6Oc838LiPlvdpk0Lvus5lYEMYt_vXSFZ/s1600/bPtxFET.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="689" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2lnkQyoUIAbZNY-d5B4k9J_Vp7_hmhjQiBHPgb5pVv3OIjzdCvPJRqC3aZGB8sHvCZVeVtmoR9CewsyFR2KiwVurRyAdfgyXCnI1B0__RFng6Oc838LiPlvdpk0Lvus5lYEMYt_vXSFZ/s320/bPtxFET.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The anime is clearly trying to push Bunchuu's arc forward since he will most likely be the final antagonist Taikoubou faces. The problem is that it does so at the expense of everything else. Nataku's story gets even less time to be told properly, and then there's everything Dakki does.<br />
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See, in manga, Bunchuu does not appear until near the end of volume 3. All the scenes of him and his flashbacks you see this episode? They moments scattered through latter volumes.<br />
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Before Bunchuu appears, Dakki does a lot of stuff, and that stuff is important.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimN4UwXMSpMJU51JzTMcL4LW4KI3k3A613iHVu5c0KdhQXQg62GOVe7HblVMl1meRz-lP8HoLJnJlBWGhGjc0Uy17ZQjKhoQoXHqTyEM2hdUONPljBLYqpFjdyeFcqS4Wto7-AoJSB42vE/s1600/gP13AV8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="689" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimN4UwXMSpMJU51JzTMcL4LW4KI3k3A613iHVu5c0KdhQXQg62GOVe7HblVMl1meRz-lP8HoLJnJlBWGhGjc0Uy17ZQjKhoQoXHqTyEM2hdUONPljBLYqpFjdyeFcqS4Wto7-AoJSB42vE/s400/gP13AV8.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
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This stuff may end up being (awkwardly) adapted later so feel free to skip this part unless you want to be spoiled. Or better yet, read the manga. It's great.<br />
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Dakki does a bunch of things before Bunchuu arrives like creating torture devices for fun. She also throws a big party and invites the four Kings (the four main governors under the Emperor) to the Imperial Palace to watch people getting mauled by tigers.<br />
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Yes, she's a bitch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtFMbCIr72R8K2XCP_C6DXFnnaok-xG56EgXbPP9WYBGvOjUVyH2cODKPUCaM6lKhbeMQPv6lx-kX9PP4vay9s1wNF1tgGXqqF42AZTqLKh2sPrmfcwcN2JgfST0h9urY-XVqvIOT-U-h/s1600/8tdxD2S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="693" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtFMbCIr72R8K2XCP_C6DXFnnaok-xG56EgXbPP9WYBGvOjUVyH2cODKPUCaM6lKhbeMQPv6lx-kX9PP4vay9s1wNF1tgGXqqF42AZTqLKh2sPrmfcwcN2JgfST0h9urY-XVqvIOT-U-h/s400/8tdxD2S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Angered by this, the four Kings call her out on being evil. Dakki uses the opportunity to have most of them killed for daring to not like her party, thus eliminating the biggest political threats to her rule.<br />
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She also has the former Empress (the Emperor's main wife before Dakki worked her magic on the Emperor) jailed and goads her into suicide. After this, the former Empress' sons have to run away from the country. Taikoubou helps them out, and they are taken to the Sennin World. It is very likely they are being cut entirely from this adaptation.<br />
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Anyway, I digress The point is, Dakki had done a lot of shit by the time Bunchuu arrives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLl6yCYLqMaJqr_K1KjCQZEU0jEaxuIvMfWSRQKHFTSrzmkd9roB5ej6itqqLmbUZUTXDdn3hUttHemx39ljH8nDb62M2u_JrlRQfPWb_cJj4jem7Ov1gNfqCYLBgkhq7xxDOK-xm49uG8/s1600/4I8z153.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="853" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLl6yCYLqMaJqr_K1KjCQZEU0jEaxuIvMfWSRQKHFTSrzmkd9roB5ej6itqqLmbUZUTXDdn3hUttHemx39ljH8nDb62M2u_JrlRQfPWb_cJj4jem7Ov1gNfqCYLBgkhq7xxDOK-xm49uG8/s400/4I8z153.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bunchuu arriving is supposed to be a cool moment, and it is so because we have had to watch Dakki do whatever she wants for so long.<br />
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Within moments of entering the story, Bunchuu puts a stop to Dakki's torture games and starts to put the country back on the right track. Hiko is impossibly happy to have his bro back, because he is the only one who can deal with Dakki. For a moment, it looks like things are going to get better.<br />
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Then a section of the country rises in rebellion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4ydZy1vtIpIapsvr1wWzdGrqqBJUZsMsao7VFPBoVIFjlY5Vk7OMlWotKLWmMbrrfjL0d7D18DRKsgaDlL1KMJO6A01eVmzonpuUffdEqQtuig9Nho5JkkFccLVFmnvsKpKrbXWUZPjs/s1600/bsMuHEk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="886" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4ydZy1vtIpIapsvr1wWzdGrqqBJUZsMsao7VFPBoVIFjlY5Vk7OMlWotKLWmMbrrfjL0d7D18DRKsgaDlL1KMJO6A01eVmzonpuUffdEqQtuig9Nho5JkkFccLVFmnvsKpKrbXWUZPjs/s400/bsMuHEk.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remember the kings she had murdered? The heir of one of them is rising up in rebellion because of that. It is the moment where the reader realizes Dakki was playing the long game. It wasn't just a random act of cruelty. It wasn't just about getting a political enemy out of the way.<br />
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It was about getting Bunchuu out of the way, the one person who can mess with her fun. It's one of those moments that gives you real appreciation for Dakki as a villain. In the anime, Bunchuu talks about how smart Dakki is, but it falls flat because an anime-only watcher has not experienced how devious she can be.<br />
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All the important context is missing from the anime. The Emperor just tells us, "Oh, the son of this guy I had executed is rebelling against me. Also my former wife was also related to them and she killed herself."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceRrkCZ62C9IdpPv8AY61IUKbEQZHLv-BqSIp4THrjvD7LAFQorheP2AmQa7gD9TEfOsschluxDh0hlwEkkGoFDNaqxNE1uq771fkonkPidQha2FC0B4tSfLeyGTjVIHMpmSYhkgB823P/s1600/VxEC7Zz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceRrkCZ62C9IdpPv8AY61IUKbEQZHLv-BqSIp4THrjvD7LAFQorheP2AmQa7gD9TEfOsschluxDh0hlwEkkGoFDNaqxNE1uq771fkonkPidQha2FC0B4tSfLeyGTjVIHMpmSYhkgB823P/s400/VxEC7Zz.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Worse, in the manga, Bunchuu is gone for months. As it turns out, diplomacy takes a long time. It gives Dakki time to make yet more moves to undermine him. In the anime, Bunchuu is just brought back at the end of the episode and told Hiko has rebelled, all because the anime wanted to force the story of their friendship on us.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I love their friendship, but this was not the proper way to do it. A story must have proper pacing. You must give things their time. This adaption is not doing that. It's trying and failing to pander to manga readers while alienating potential new fans. It took a plot that should have been developed over different episodes and shoved them into one.<br />
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It's a tragedy. Houshin Engi deserved better than this.Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-40333850544041181282018-01-16T14:00:00.000-08:002018-01-28T18:46:11.232-08:00Houshin Engi - What was Skipped<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemYwHl3NPNx1Y-CnfflTyNUY_MVKiMzndoosH8lh0oV-NFlvilwt2tpV6Rc8kZfROCtlU_kTI5iCTTsUgVFfDAK1cvh_LPTFJsrPh7jC6wGBSk85ac9RPXm2WeR8SrhmBXGoe-9Zjrh92/s1600/1515814554687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemYwHl3NPNx1Y-CnfflTyNUY_MVKiMzndoosH8lh0oV-NFlvilwt2tpV6Rc8kZfROCtlU_kTI5iCTTsUgVFfDAK1cvh_LPTFJsrPh7jC6wGBSk85ac9RPXm2WeR8SrhmBXGoe-9Zjrh92/s400/1515814554687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Houshin Engi</i> is one of my favorite manga so I was very happy to hear it was going to get a new anime. However, <i>Houshin Engi</i> is one of my favorite manga so I was very worried when I learned it was only going to be 23 episodes long.</div>
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As it turns out, my worries were not unfounded. The first episode skipped a lot of stuff. How much was skipped? </div>
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Let's take a look.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1s30lZ55Ras9PjpsbVPHdB39obkBgNyZlYu87vsnxEUnJr7BPZv_svtZO4BX_ercZ05gWMQqEQhFv-LYIOF-SSgmSzTc1I_un9AKua3wopaosPSYQzYhR9JuFepLBzusWTdXTBfHqrs1H/s1600/1515783057102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1600" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1s30lZ55Ras9PjpsbVPHdB39obkBgNyZlYu87vsnxEUnJr7BPZv_svtZO4BX_ercZ05gWMQqEQhFv-LYIOF-SSgmSzTc1I_un9AKua3wopaosPSYQzYhR9JuFepLBzusWTdXTBfHqrs1H/s400/1515783057102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Houshin Engi</i> has a very long story. The 26-episode anime back in 1999 didn't even try to adapt the whole thing (the manga also wasn't over back then) and went with an anime original ending as was the usual back then. How was this adaptation going to manage it? </div>
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Apparently, by skipping lots of stuff.</div>
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To put it in perspective for non-manga readers, the first episode of <i>Houshin Engi</i> covers the entire first volume of the manga. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMhT_qh16Z9wlZqyquo-fkhIfQJp-J6kUn1Nb5yoy4KYyEOfgKTGuBn__TT-h7cUuLqjluTkTDlwh632y0aYithcpLywET4AFqtOsoeBMoHgQ7EnH_2fQZkY-Ib3n3gb4VzcfPgXgbZ1n/s1600/1515814993719.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMhT_qh16Z9wlZqyquo-fkhIfQJp-J6kUn1Nb5yoy4KYyEOfgKTGuBn__TT-h7cUuLqjluTkTDlwh632y0aYithcpLywET4AFqtOsoeBMoHgQ7EnH_2fQZkY-Ib3n3gb4VzcfPgXgbZ1n/s400/1515814993719.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The backgrounds are very nice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The first half of episode one (minus the flash forward at the beginning) adapts the first chapter of the manga. Taikoubou gets tasked with the Houshin Project and fights Shinkouhyou. That's chapter one. It's rushed but okay. It's in the latter half where things get complicated. </div>
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See in chapter 2, Taikoubou fights and defeats one of Dakki's underlings. This calls the attention of Dakki's sworn-sister, Oukijin, who decides to take care of Taikoubou before he becomes trouble.</div>
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Yes, Dakki has a (sworn) sister, two of them in fact. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG4HKo70oHQQG-EGRd7AtUJJedRuoVkdyT2RhIjuYWc6asg9-lidrkRfLO-t_oEKWp_eX-a_vU8ODu4CvpmcAk-WbZ2fhRMh89WqnVRgKVpF2KHw2ssjrcey_sUrEMFeSCufOq0MA6r2j/s1600/ArmiGeH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="663" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG4HKo70oHQQG-EGRd7AtUJJedRuoVkdyT2RhIjuYWc6asg9-lidrkRfLO-t_oEKWp_eX-a_vU8ODu4CvpmcAk-WbZ2fhRMh89WqnVRgKVpF2KHw2ssjrcey_sUrEMFeSCufOq0MA6r2j/s320/ArmiGeH.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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In chapter 3, Oukijin finds Taikoubou and they fight. Taikoubou outsmarts and defeats her. However, instead of sealing her, Taikoubou decides to do something else. Oukijin, who has turned into a stone lute (in-story mechanics. May do a post on this if the next episode doesn't explain it), has become a very valuable hostage against Dakki.</div>
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That's right. The main character of a Shounen Jump manga decides to take the big bad's sister hostage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KBjr4xUG-qbbyglQcKqjAgAuhgTRIYvZA1wNqnB-hJM60xdzgrJFlic3MRkUw1T45KBXd7K4ovo80MoZRgWTZ8fNmv8HHFWSEEiOW18aQmEJek0r0qnkiVIozB2wgsYRj_a8ZwMgYArY/s1600/wYt4DeL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="651" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KBjr4xUG-qbbyglQcKqjAgAuhgTRIYvZA1wNqnB-hJM60xdzgrJFlic3MRkUw1T45KBXd7K4ovo80MoZRgWTZ8fNmv8HHFWSEEiOW18aQmEJek0r0qnkiVIozB2wgsYRj_a8ZwMgYArY/s400/wYt4DeL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With Dakki's sister literally in his hands, Taikoubou walks into the palace confident that Dakki won't be able to attack him out of concern for her sister. This is a marked change from the anime where Taikoubou just walks into the palace without much of a plan.</div>
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In fact, it is Dakki herself who welcomes Taikoubou into the palace and gives him an audience with the Emperor. She's angry at what he did to her sister and really wants to teach him a lesson. </div>
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Like that, Taikoubou becomes court musician. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRKughjZTG9PDKtFFn8GBUyI5NUB0Im4OIXzDmSguewOYjWCAIs5gjVaRd37ncKxQLJK_qrplL7cbVVZJ8sYBTH12Mt-mDgaLhNKZCQJ1wbYP07pxQ0wDdjeyjrtleopTWu4Jgkvfk2zC/s1600/s8NR751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="698" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRKughjZTG9PDKtFFn8GBUyI5NUB0Im4OIXzDmSguewOYjWCAIs5gjVaRd37ncKxQLJK_qrplL7cbVVZJ8sYBTH12Mt-mDgaLhNKZCQJ1wbYP07pxQ0wDdjeyjrtleopTWu4Jgkvfk2zC/s320/s8NR751.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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In the anime, Taikoubou immediately tries to take the Emperor away. In the manga, he spends days in the palace, trying to find a weak point in Dakki's security and growing more desperate by the day. </div>
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Ultimately, Dakki outsmarts him and rescues her sister. That's when the snake pit scene you saw in the anime ensues. </div>
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After reading this, I am pretty sure you can appreciate the differences with the anime. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwY7muxMVPZSQEUvMaNNINLzKkR8MtAMtAjMb86r-KaUta7VibikS8qoyRr3XPtgeo1eH-5fmlGyUmQujMqDSQKVfcrdRHK_z6PdqQ29s1611B7Q32EhkmDC0-KFJmuD88l3OJLX77qJW/s1600/yFS3eLv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="660" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwY7muxMVPZSQEUvMaNNINLzKkR8MtAMtAjMb86r-KaUta7VibikS8qoyRr3XPtgeo1eH-5fmlGyUmQujMqDSQKVfcrdRHK_z6PdqQ29s1611B7Q32EhkmDC0-KFJmuD88l3OJLX77qJW/s320/yFS3eLv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The intro arc does several things that I think are important. It's impact on the plot isn't huge. In fact, the anime could have easily skipped it which I feel would have been the better choice instead of adapting it like they did. </div>
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However, this arc does establish a lot of things about our protagonist and antagonist. </div>
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First of all, Taikoubou and Dakki are both very smart. He may act like a goof. She may act like a ditz. They are both tricksters who can run mental circles around most people. In fact, it's Taikoubou's intelligence that causes his downfall in this arc. He's so certain he can make up for his lack of power with wits that he's unprepared for someone who is smart and powerful. </div>
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Second, it establishes how cruel Dakki can be while also making sure the audience knows there are people she gives a damn about (her sisters). </div>
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Third, it shows Taikoubou is unconventional. He's far from the usual shounen protagonist (and I am not using that term negatively because I like shounen protagonists) and that is something to look forward to in this manga. </div>
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The anime does not capture this at all, and honestly, it would have been better if they skipped the prologue arc. The next episode looks like it will have better pacing, and there is a chance this adaption will only go up to the Sennin War arc.</div>
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That's something be hopeful for.</div>
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Until next time!</div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-16808596896470019252017-06-02T18:20:00.000-07:002017-06-02T18:20:01.016-07:00Armed Girls' Machiavellianism 07<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZQ55Nn52tvft08E9bkijcYzA-V4L27UqJJoaATIryu4xEtIc1rxKVQA045wXOGQl-_rSQW7qkSXWzmg_K2RMhH8SedZxvAPmJQ0CMKnkg45WunkD_l7JaJrchXVazkTiRD9GVzIZnB2h/s1600/1495068670119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZQ55Nn52tvft08E9bkijcYzA-V4L27UqJJoaATIryu4xEtIc1rxKVQA045wXOGQl-_rSQW7qkSXWzmg_K2RMhH8SedZxvAPmJQ0CMKnkg45WunkD_l7JaJrchXVazkTiRD9GVzIZnB2h/s400/1495068670119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Warning: This post contains a dangerous amount of Satori. Young ones, stay away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxNXv99f0nsKUYMs3X2Whyphenhyphen-fkYcoVNnlx1kuZK0XrrqQnhZpawI1l4vd-INRlg_JakSaSLme76d31hj2Sunk2dFY8tvUzhoGrbY17ORFFytyNVrCEU63lDB5cH4_vTT1v8qtfAzU-Nnvv/s1600/1495066874465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxNXv99f0nsKUYMs3X2Whyphenhyphen-fkYcoVNnlx1kuZK0XrrqQnhZpawI1l4vd-INRlg_JakSaSLme76d31hj2Sunk2dFY8tvUzhoGrbY17ORFFytyNVrCEU63lDB5cH4_vTT1v8qtfAzU-Nnvv/s400/1495066874465.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You know, I got to give the anime credit for this episode. Nowadays, it's not often that a show gets to have a fight where both fighters are naked, especially without relying on excessive censoring.</div>
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Yet this episode we not only have Satori naked and in no hurry to get her clothes, but Nomura gets in on the naked action as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Which is not to say there isn't censorship but at least it's not covering the entire screen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shame the fighting animation couldn't be better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3M-3A3dTKArL20A5agM34B5XN5avial929LZJaFxV-GBzHCteYw8hw9acZvb_Of7LfyYHE9uYPDOlPszAn8jA0xPRtT4vSGXCxx_woHEhuedQAATcHKw00YJ8kk6i38LgdD10elv38gdm/s1600/1495178834628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3M-3A3dTKArL20A5agM34B5XN5avial929LZJaFxV-GBzHCteYw8hw9acZvb_Of7LfyYHE9uYPDOlPszAn8jA0xPRtT4vSGXCxx_woHEhuedQAATcHKw00YJ8kk6i38LgdD10elv38gdm/s400/1495178834628.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Animation aside, the fight is actually pretty okay. Satori being naked actually serves a purpose (so you can totally say it's not shameless fanservice if someone catches you watching this show!). Nomura can't quite concentrate with Satori like that and tries to keep his gaze at eye level, something that's not exactly easy in the middle of a swordfight.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plus, you know, the other technical difficulties that may arise. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, turnabout is fair play, and Nomura getting naked to do the same thing to Satori that she is doing to him was great. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After half a season of Satori flaunting her supposed inhumanness and eeriness, Nomura showing her she is not so above it after all was fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l7MxuYzfgCyFAbeMWDPVYmbmZbzGRteAjiBLiPUY_8AuoZ39UmBhIQ4J8tV8Y2LysWALLih1XTo3XK4sW-o-LgZp1nctDOknFBIkxIYC8jN7TmnvwNp_Em5F5bFAQKCIADtRCNx2MmOx/s1600/1495066459165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l7MxuYzfgCyFAbeMWDPVYmbmZbzGRteAjiBLiPUY_8AuoZ39UmBhIQ4J8tV8Y2LysWALLih1XTo3XK4sW-o-LgZp1nctDOknFBIkxIYC8jN7TmnvwNp_Em5F5bFAQKCIADtRCNx2MmOx/s400/1495066459165.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As an aside, while Nomura fights it out with Satori, both Mary and Rin manage to get drunk on nonalcoholic beverages.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The power of love is strong. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That said, four Swords are down. There is still two to go.<o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-46084315463440320592017-05-15T15:50:00.004-07:002017-05-15T15:50:54.321-07:00Armed Girl's Machiavellianism 06<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJO3NMcGNT0LKcztlq80Y1WOVELu1PkmCGUi67N_si2-5D_sPAgKQq5EBBTc50e0P1-sTp9Bs8zLjjWqtxXfTjxWi4zqKS13nB672JQlxsJYi0snEwrGe9FUgNqdph9zRVdmh9QZpdgJf/s1600/tIWZJ0e.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJO3NMcGNT0LKcztlq80Y1WOVELu1PkmCGUi67N_si2-5D_sPAgKQq5EBBTc50e0P1-sTp9Bs8zLjjWqtxXfTjxWi4zqKS13nB672JQlxsJYi0snEwrGe9FUgNqdph9zRVdmh9QZpdgJf/s400/tIWZJ0e.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Behold, the rise and fall of Nomura!</div>
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<a name='more'></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ7odk6g72g5RIg7G3Qp0iysRhKqYg5koSkuhMnx60zNHXQG5QvjTE1gelVhyphenhyphen_PpAIE9k-TGHcF3LkMmtrYdXeTLM-7QVgZem5T0U0idm-IvZeFqMydB1LQWiO69LFMQGwq4GYThMAwwk/s1600/WOB3d0d.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ7odk6g72g5RIg7G3Qp0iysRhKqYg5koSkuhMnx60zNHXQG5QvjTE1gelVhyphenhyphen_PpAIE9k-TGHcF3LkMmtrYdXeTLM-7QVgZem5T0U0idm-IvZeFqMydB1LQWiO69LFMQGwq4GYThMAwwk/s400/WOB3d0d.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nomura's fortune has changed! Defeating one of the Supreme Swords earned him infamy, and defeating the second one didn't really change things. However, his luck has definitely changed after defeating the third.</div>
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Apparently, fighting a bear made an impression on the girls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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No longer is Nomura unpopular. Instead, every girl is now interested in him much to the annoyance of Rin and Mary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That's right, people. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You want to impress girls? Fight Bears. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It even rhymes so you know it can't possibly be false. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">However, Nomura's luck can't last.</span></div>
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Two of the Five Swords are still left, and one of those is the weirdly unsettling Satori who has an evil master plan in store for Nomura which consists of... well, you can all see the pic above, can't you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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You know, as far as master plans go, weaponizing Tsundere Rage is actually a pretty good one. Well played, Satori.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even Nomura's smoothness is no help against that picture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He does, however, figure out a way to prove his innocence. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4oKvfcIpDtiWPojRvdOXgjH86Y1_2BqLub2MXVArpUOG4gfZ6YbmxoHZyQI09x8CiFEg_e0NCzjzd7vouVQ1IKEwylo38Wy6xvOlNMTT5m054HShg1uiXWJx6t1rFjZjdL3NFMlwppNr/s1600/WRuwRYG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4oKvfcIpDtiWPojRvdOXgjH86Y1_2BqLub2MXVArpUOG4gfZ6YbmxoHZyQI09x8CiFEg_e0NCzjzd7vouVQ1IKEwylo38Wy6xvOlNMTT5m054HShg1uiXWJx6t1rFjZjdL3NFMlwppNr/s400/WRuwRYG.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Yep, all he has to do is find the original picture.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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He may not have Rin and Mary at his side, but Bear Loli is there to help. <o:p></o:p></div>
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She has a bear so her help is automatically better. And her bear has a baby bear so that's double the bears. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately for both of them, Satori is way trickier than anyone Nomura has fought so far. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It's time for a naked battle in the girl's bathroom!</div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-5350316536203657702017-05-12T14:30:00.000-07:002017-05-12T14:30:27.354-07:00Armed Girl's Machiavellianism 05<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFEPprbneCyUGOfjkYzbbcY9-hgg3NPc_h1wxFGnDLZ0-yzW4iqJ9uDzAp797lZQ_kZjVpjfqU0wWE9cCO8Tc8OxWo5W15dXBohyphenhyphenoKThdNaEAvYe3h7xwtaLPIocnXga6ejdOWcoqusv0/s1600/Fuw5u4K.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFEPprbneCyUGOfjkYzbbcY9-hgg3NPc_h1wxFGnDLZ0-yzW4iqJ9uDzAp797lZQ_kZjVpjfqU0wWE9cCO8Tc8OxWo5W15dXBohyphenhyphenoKThdNaEAvYe3h7xwtaLPIocnXga6ejdOWcoqusv0/s400/Fuw5u4K.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wisest Words</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwi84JBjgl-lLGtJvSy0HjbOgvq9IQkTmQe2Y6u57RrmsbZI2o4qxY_N9OL6rdaO0uNIQ3M7jE9StKhroBAo41G4eaDAOjDc4RZMKbNdIVQT3gDNdyLSsEMDKroWQa6TdzOa-FnWOE097T/s1600/UBGvdk4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwi84JBjgl-lLGtJvSy0HjbOgvq9IQkTmQe2Y6u57RrmsbZI2o4qxY_N9OL6rdaO0uNIQ3M7jE9StKhroBAo41G4eaDAOjDc4RZMKbNdIVQT3gDNdyLSsEMDKroWQa6TdzOa-FnWOE097T/s400/UBGvdk4.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel the Smug!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Warabimpics are over. All Nomura has to do now is go up to the top of the school building alone to collect his prize. No one will ambush him or anything like that on his way there.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yeah, right. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bear Loli is not happy about losing and has set up a gauntlet of 34 of her underlings which Nomura will have to defeat in order to get to her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lucky for Nomura, he has made enough friends that he doesn't have to go at it alone. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It pays when your love interests are highly capable fighters. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoAQuyAwvGPjZbFC0bzjjTuPcJMhc-IM2M_bRsj32sSyN_ZrwwAwB_mPqZLxEJHTG2L1voI3rsxDvopJRAiiy6sEsCRRO884JOVc3PCWCyA_olu-pY_Z9dhgxL85QPkJRhc5S5LXJ3jW0/s1600/XoDrTkX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoAQuyAwvGPjZbFC0bzjjTuPcJMhc-IM2M_bRsj32sSyN_ZrwwAwB_mPqZLxEJHTG2L1voI3rsxDvopJRAiiy6sEsCRRO884JOVc3PCWCyA_olu-pY_Z9dhgxL85QPkJRhc5S5LXJ3jW0/s400/XoDrTkX.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally Normal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Nomura also receives help from the weirdly unsettling Satori. She opens up the path for him and the girls, showing that while she allowed all the craziness from the past episode to happens, she's not going to allow Bear Loli to go beyond that.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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She also hates Nomura for some reason and has weird masked underlings that wouldn't look out of place in a horror movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, have I mentioned how weirdly unsettling she is? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAebOEkgWXXiZOrKtbntxSQ8efCxTSMdCQbvEPQXP2xG0Q6Rn0ZAsmxuTw6LG8rrQXiLGHXxoJeaoMpFnrzFG-u24bIuQzdFlqySxE45jtt_QMe7wjN-4JeSzhtT3PQcyzEPoiW5bcaSS/s1600/JuUs2WQ.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAebOEkgWXXiZOrKtbntxSQ8efCxTSMdCQbvEPQXP2xG0Q6Rn0ZAsmxuTw6LG8rrQXiLGHXxoJeaoMpFnrzFG-u24bIuQzdFlqySxE45jtt_QMe7wjN-4JeSzhtT3PQcyzEPoiW5bcaSS/s400/JuUs2WQ.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anyway, the big takeaway from this episode is that Nomura fights a bear.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A boxing bear. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I mean, Rin fights the Bear Loli who obviously knew how to fight (who didn't see that one coming) and Mary takes care of the annoying trio from the last episode, but who really cares about that?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nomura fought a boxing bear. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My only regret is that the animation wasn't better. For a show that's all about badass fights, not having cool animation is one hell of a crippling flaw. <o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-30607942911309620682017-05-01T14:00:00.000-07:002017-05-01T14:00:12.567-07:00Lelouch of the Resurrection - PVIf you are a Code Geass fan, then you probably already know a new season was announced a while back, Lelouch of the Resurrection. Now, we have a preview:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x5kam98" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5kam98_code-geass-lelouch-of-the-resurrection-pv_shortfilms" target="_blank">Code Geass Lelouch of the Resurrection PV</a> <i>por <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/mechafan" target="_blank">mechafan</a></i>
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<br />
It's the same one that was released at an event a while back in Japan, but with much better quality.<br />
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Let's talk about it!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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We start with the mask of Zero on a beach somewhere. Is that the real one? Has it been abandoned by someone else? It's not like there were few of those by the time R2 ended (over a million really). In any case, it's a telling sign. The era of Zero is at an end.<br />
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Indeed, we are then treated to explosions. Is it a terrorist group of some kind or do we have an actual war in our hands?<br />
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Kaguya is in China. We don't see the Empress but she's probably there too. Also, that one lolicon Black Knight is with Kaguya. Careful, Kaguya!<br />
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The trio of Kallen, Tamaki, and that one rat bastard are still together and making Japanese food at a festival somewhere. That's nice. Peaceful times which are probably not going to last.<br />
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Zerozaku haunts the night! Because yes, that's totally Suzaku.<br />
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Oh, battleships! And the Shinkiro is deployed. This one is interesting. The Shinkiro is not something just anyone can pilot at full capacity. The Druid System was something only Lelouch could control. That said, we don't see the pilot using the Druid System so maybe they are just using it as a symbol. Also, it looks like they upgraded it with Energy Wings.<br />
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One cart! Two camels! You laughed at the cart driver theory, but now it laughs at you!<br />
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Flamencos and Loyalty. I'm not even going to try to guess. That said, Jeremiah better survive. Orange Farm end is the best end,<br />
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Kallen's Gurren flanked by what looks to be Sutherlands. Are they fighting? Are they working together? In any case, it looks like we won't have to wait long to see Kallen back in a Knightmare Frame.<br />
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Cornelia is really hot when she has her hair without all those curls. I have no idea what she is up to, but she's looking good while doing it.<br />
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Suzaku is wearing his Knight of Round's outfit and running from something. This one is really interesting. He's supposed to be stuck as Zero. Kururugi Suzaku is officially dead. Why wear that outfit?<br />
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The answer, I fear, may have to wait a long time.<br />
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<br />
<br />Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-28042211958773355222017-04-26T18:00:00.000-07:002017-04-26T18:00:11.504-07:00Armed Girls' Machiavellianism 04<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hIwRGurx0bSh6MVHNRDvBhC8H9hiEbYfNCnh7glybrsdoQpZDtpr77uNKvVDsDJ6_nKIh0gvO6Iyqn8rf0vh9L8zVMiFI7wRheyBf7i1ZS9WAyP9LaJuRp3-7eBVsuyrW0UyS4OI0Fzz/s1600/1493224782654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hIwRGurx0bSh6MVHNRDvBhC8H9hiEbYfNCnh7glybrsdoQpZDtpr77uNKvVDsDJ6_nKIh0gvO6Iyqn8rf0vh9L8zVMiFI7wRheyBf7i1ZS9WAyP9LaJuRp3-7eBVsuyrW0UyS4OI0Fzz/s400/1493224782654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's time for Bears!</div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLV3UPZeR1FHiodHWwzEV-SKK6uOw7mSS9eoDhFuNv_2FTC3VHPyqg5tPblW-rOiuhR0WmeI30beMpA0peWqt63RKia_Wn-9ntorheqI5s1VxLTyQEwLhR1zKE8oV4i9G7qqdpBXSdpMq/s1600/NTeLpke.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLV3UPZeR1FHiodHWwzEV-SKK6uOw7mSS9eoDhFuNv_2FTC3VHPyqg5tPblW-rOiuhR0WmeI30beMpA0peWqt63RKia_Wn-9ntorheqI5s1VxLTyQEwLhR1zKE8oV4i9G7qqdpBXSdpMq/s400/NTeLpke.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They said without irony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Nomura has defeated another Supreme Sword and in the process gotten himself another cute girl that wants to follow him around under the guise of "correction." An enviable situation to be sure, but the freedom-loving Nomura's not exactly thrilled at being monitored every moment of the day.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nomura is not the only that finds the current state of affair objectionable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bear Loli appears once more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa3B14FIrl4F6OeXk5t0JpS5icFH6rFX-Ak5LW2rFmlqShpxVPJ98huIIAO3tCZ63D_mgf-jjfwaCgpte1E1zDOUmyqz7EH-m4n1RWLBWbWfDfs2CiV8usI8gW16gBtArWJC9c76M13Ks/s1600/k2rvWgv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa3B14FIrl4F6OeXk5t0JpS5icFH6rFX-Ak5LW2rFmlqShpxVPJ98huIIAO3tCZ63D_mgf-jjfwaCgpte1E1zDOUmyqz7EH-m4n1RWLBWbWfDfs2CiV8usI8gW16gBtArWJC9c76M13Ks/s400/k2rvWgv.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Apparently, she has been in Hawai all this time.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did we know that by the way? Was that a thing that was said? Eh, who cares? What matters is what she does. Nomura who should have been subjugated is free as a bird, and Mary and Rin are now lovesick schoolgirls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As far as Bear Loli is concerned all three are a problem now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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She actually holds a Five Supreme Swords meeting without Mary and Rin this time and gets the green-haired Supreme Sword to agree to her plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's time for the deadliest Sports Festival of all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8yVRWtfl4POkaH_Z1KewonnmvktqrnqzGuHt_bs9H5h2l7C4QAk05wRTsqUdJNCzX0EqRVGNZtq6J8EAqBEScFnO4xbXAmLGia8kIxB3KjQqP5fSSF8foESLj5hhxjbzuzim-SyX2I-1/s1600/1493235428033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8yVRWtfl4POkaH_Z1KewonnmvktqrnqzGuHt_bs9H5h2l7C4QAk05wRTsqUdJNCzX0EqRVGNZtq6J8EAqBEScFnO4xbXAmLGia8kIxB3KjQqP5fSSF8foESLj5hhxjbzuzim-SyX2I-1/s400/1493235428033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Indeed, Mary and Rin are surprised when they find out it's not only Nomura who is forced to participate but them as well. Even if they are all Supreme Swords, Bear Loli outmaneuvered them this time.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our three heroes must now fight against Bear Loli's Three Musketeers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In Sumo Wrestling. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, and the Bear is one of the Three Musketeers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, and there is also a suggestive scene with Nomura putting the sumo clothes on Rin and Mary, but BEAR SUMO WRESTLING!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM-qY1PpM_-GmpTByhXGwxGYN7DjOo3hZN4sYAir58ICWiCJCe0JrUIT5flP94YUD3TMFPv5MGVrYB0_d2IOBrl5kdlJ-rU2L_bbbZSB0QvpKhpsBbQi5EtNEh7L9a2AUaArJbh3uA1LV/s1600/1493223529602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM-qY1PpM_-GmpTByhXGwxGYN7DjOo3hZN4sYAir58ICWiCJCe0JrUIT5flP94YUD3TMFPv5MGVrYB0_d2IOBrl5kdlJ-rU2L_bbbZSB0QvpKhpsBbQi5EtNEh7L9a2AUaArJbh3uA1LV/s400/1493223529602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's right, Nomura must fight a bear. If he wins, all three of them are free to go.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nomura does pretty damn well against the bear. His Demon Bullets or whatever don't work that well against an opponent that drastically out masses a regular human, but Nomura actually manages to LIFT THE BEAR!<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end, he wins by modesty. The other team didn't put on the sumo cloth correctly, resulting in disqualification when it falls on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bear Loli can't believe her bear lost. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But it's fine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Because now the jokes are over, the games are over! <o:p></o:p></div>
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It's war now.<o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-80542010324853354122017-04-22T21:13:00.001-07:002017-04-22T21:30:35.412-07:00Armed Girl's Machiavellianism 03<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf6M7evJYvPPlw76-KLPx6CPUAHq-HNC3H9_9bMLdE8PPkGgl7LlWDI2LydpGho-4uYw72x_K4dkb1jNfcxOejA71zHAQ8lVwZQ7A5afLa7H2lYTXMBCSeTHxGsMBEMKOFNsga0UATohM/s1600/1492627647593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf6M7evJYvPPlw76-KLPx6CPUAHq-HNC3H9_9bMLdE8PPkGgl7LlWDI2LydpGho-4uYw72x_K4dkb1jNfcxOejA71zHAQ8lVwZQ7A5afLa7H2lYTXMBCSeTHxGsMBEMKOFNsga0UATohM/s400/1492627647593.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: A Sadist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Before we begin, I'll say this one thing.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary is hot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7WOTwUXXX4YJWfPkH4Qmt00otNjlIUZ1AmUTBnVebn8mfhdjFVW251wnLcbs032iEalzX4BhkHyAY3aERZr1PeFsPSUyeDRT4zawdByyAY19SWbomkNP5RvGCBy9NBfvsMhDL9-J9N4E/s1600/YVNgjvo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7WOTwUXXX4YJWfPkH4Qmt00otNjlIUZ1AmUTBnVebn8mfhdjFVW251wnLcbs032iEalzX4BhkHyAY3aERZr1PeFsPSUyeDRT4zawdByyAY19SWbomkNP5RvGCBy9NBfvsMhDL9-J9N4E/s400/YVNgjvo.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: A Sadist Asking Hard Questions</td></tr>
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The episode starts with Nobura being warned by his giant friend whose name escapes that he really needs to be on his guard. The fake Italian girl from last episode is close friends with one of the Five Swords, Mary Kikakujo.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A French girl who is also a sadist and unreasonably good with a rapier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nomura is not too worried about it. If anything, most of his attention is now focused on Rin who insists on following him around during school hours for the purpose of "reforming" him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just that. No ulterior motives at all. It's not like she wants to spend time with him or anything. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Really. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSz9_EtloajkowWID8hS2PTRPJKPNYt4uNfrN0sLoRxmxg9Sea2qZmKyrbCM2SNvpb-zFBvjd5iCJdrJezErCDdexlNL86PuluscqtTGmKczLyvir9IHl-5NN_llGaY_MVFNdxtbTEMi2/s1600/1492649254604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSz9_EtloajkowWID8hS2PTRPJKPNYt4uNfrN0sLoRxmxg9Sea2qZmKyrbCM2SNvpb-zFBvjd5iCJdrJezErCDdexlNL86PuluscqtTGmKczLyvir9IHl-5NN_llGaY_MVFNdxtbTEMi2/s400/1492649254604.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally a Sadist. For Real.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">The fight animation was not too good this time, but the fight was actually nice if that makes any sense. Nomura actually having trouble against Mary because he is not used to fighting against a style like hers and his gloves being a poor match </span>against her rapier's thrusting attacks <span style="text-indent: 0in;">was interesting to see. </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">The real treat, however, was Mary's reaction to losing. Her actually being offended Nomura is not going to take advantage of her was great.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary's character, in general, was pretty nice. From her weapon, to her habit of carrying around a dictionary to search for Japanese words, to trying to get Nomura to grope her because how dare he not! It's all good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlHpWQdPj6SWNZDJrl6y5Polh3KhXloEjlTWF4-qFlsmolMn7glNoLm47RChyphenhyphenoah6J6_pUxyZ9xGS8bMsKEXxrBy8sOr3AbDA4-r5TAH6RW6kbwO97b5QyqsaSH4l0cz_r32_1JxQBGEY/s1600/1492831130276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlHpWQdPj6SWNZDJrl6y5Polh3KhXloEjlTWF4-qFlsmolMn7glNoLm47RChyphenhyphenoah6J6_pUxyZ9xGS8bMsKEXxrBy8sOr3AbDA4-r5TAH6RW6kbwO97b5QyqsaSH4l0cz_r32_1JxQBGEY/s400/1492831130276.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally a Guy.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">This episode also confirms that the Empress is the person from Nomura's flashback and part of the reason why he was sent to the school in the first place.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seeing her quickly defeat Mary and Rin at once after Nomura went through so much trouble fighting them one on one really establishes her threat level. It's going to be interesting to see what happens when they have a rematch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For now though, it's two swords down, three more to go. Plus one Empress.<o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-45666414926388159402017-04-21T21:15:00.000-07:002017-04-21T21:15:00.072-07:00Armed Girl's Machiavellianism 02<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/mV7pXJP.png?1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://i.imgur.com/mV7pXJP.png?1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gift You Can Trust</td></tr>
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Alright, let's do this!</div>
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Nomura has made some big waves after defeating one of the Five Supreme Swords on his first day of school. Everyone wants a piece of him and not in a fun way.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, Nomura has other concerns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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See, boys aren't allowed to leave the campus on their own unless they have a special permission slip, a permission slip that can only be obtained from one of the Five Swords and needs to be stamped by all five of them. Plus, the only one of the five Nomura knows is Rin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You know, the girl he beat and kissed by accident last episode? Yeah, that one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/C7Aqfp4.png?1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://i.imgur.com/C7Aqfp4.png?1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth Operator In Progress</td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">The next day Nomura decides to visit Rin. The sheer shock of losing and having her first kiss taken has rendered her sick with fever.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span> <span style="text-indent: 0in;">Truly, it is a school of delicate flowers.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The joke with her temperature going up whenever she got embarrassed or angry was amusing, but the real treat of the scene was the way Nomura handled himself with her and how Rin misinterpreted it as him asking her out on a date.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Smooth, Nomura. Really smooth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It helps that Rin goes from Tsun to Dere pretty damn fast. Losing half her mask obviously halved her Tsun powers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/uCxVBac.png?1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://i.imgur.com/uCxVBac.png?1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: A Faker That's not an Archer</td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">This episode also has another fight, but it wasn't as good as the one last episode. To be fair, it didn't need to be. Nomura is not fighting against one of the Five Swords this time. He's fighting against two flunkies.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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They don't even have cool swords!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I did get a kick out of the Italian girl being a complete fake though. Don't think I have seen that one before. Plus, the show noting whips aren't actually good weapons. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Overall, it was an okay episode. Not as good as the first, but okay. Next should be a little more interesting as Nomura fights his second Supreme Sword. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Who may or may not really be French given how this episode turned out.<o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-73048342100683322362017-04-20T20:00:00.000-07:002017-04-20T20:00:13.224-07:00Armed Girl's Machiavellianism 01<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/EVFBd92.png?1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://i.imgur.com/EVFBd92.png?1" width="400" /></a></div>
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The spring season has brought lots of interesting stuff . There's the second season of <i>My Hero Academia</i>, the long-awaited second season of <i>Attack on Titan</i>, <i>Sword Oratoria</i>, and other popular series.</div>
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I'm not going to be watching any of those. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead, I'm watching this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Busou Shoujo Machiavellianism </b>AKA<b> Armed Girl's Machiavellianism<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Yep.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our story begins in Aichi Coexistence Private Academy, and boy, that's a name that just doesn't sound right in English. Anyway, the school used to be an all-female school, but then it became a co-ed school.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, the girls were too scared of the boys so they were given the right to carry weapons to defend themselves!<o:p></o:p><br />
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Yeah, for real. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Among the girls, five proved to be especially good at kicking ass and were made the Five Supreme Swords, who, as the name implies, get to carry around actual swords instead of batons. They are basically the supremely powerful Student Council of the school. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearly</td></tr>
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In fact, the girls did such a good job of beating up boys that the school became a prime target for sending delinquents so they'd be reformed. And by reformed I mean beaten into submission and forced to dress as girls.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ah, anime. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nevertheless, this is the school our protagonist, Nomura Fudou, enters! He got into a huge brawl and beat up forty people. Naturally, he is a prime target for the school's unique brand of "reform." <o:p></o:p></div>
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Up first against him is Rin, the Tsundere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, Nomura is a Japanese man who can say no.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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That's one for the record books, folks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nomaru wants a peaceful high school life and he certainly does not want to dress like a woman. All that's left for him is to defend himself against Rin's attacks until homeroom ends because they can't actually attack him during classes apparently. Got to keep those grades up. <o:p></o:p><br />
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What follows is a pretty nice fight, all things considered. I was expecting something with more fanservice, but it's all sword-fighting and martial arts moves. <o:p></o:p><br />
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I mean, sure, at the end of the day the premise is absolutely ridiculous. She's attacking him with a sword so he'll dress like a girl, but still, this was pretty nice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, Nomura wins the fight, but there are still four more girls left plus a mysterious sixth one who is obviously best girl. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/O0w8Rbc.png?1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://i.imgur.com/O0w8Rbc.png?1" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Overall, I actually liked this.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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It could have been pretty bad but Nomura is a pretty capable protagonist so far, and that helps a lot with the premise. If Nomura wasn't both able and willing to stand up for himself, this type of thing could get pretty annoying. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Plus, we already have established antagonists in the Five Supreme Swords and the mysterious hot girl who is related to Nomura's past so that's going to be interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plus, there is a bear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A bear! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bears are awesome. <o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-33093511900568903922017-03-26T20:00:00.000-07:002017-03-26T20:00:16.264-07:00Highschool of the Dead's Writer Passes Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/gTpJsbK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://i.imgur.com/gTpJsbK.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Daisuke Sato, writer of the popular zombie manga Highschool of the Dead, has passed away.<br />
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Let's talk.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
I have never made a post about Highschool of the Dead on this blog. At least, I am pretty sure I haven't. I regret that now since Highschool of the Dead was a pretty fun series as far as zombie apocalypses go. It has violence, guns, people being stupid, and fanservice.<br />
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I'd go as far as to say it's my favorite zombie anything.<br />
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And not just because of the fanservice.<br />
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Okay, maybe a little.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW1B7X8rwtvuCwe0tudJes_n5jLExNnJ957gI5DI6E82HuiCdMN6wmSHVtPqkRg1lbzPAwWPADv_Co_UTb99zUYrCtY7PMhO7F-CJpQgdSnjLVIl7OyNPewwQgl65yc5RqngiVzdZP9E9/s1600/1437435357029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW1B7X8rwtvuCwe0tudJes_n5jLExNnJ957gI5DI6E82HuiCdMN6wmSHVtPqkRg1lbzPAwWPADv_Co_UTb99zUYrCtY7PMhO7F-CJpQgdSnjLVIl7OyNPewwQgl65yc5RqngiVzdZP9E9/s320/1437435357029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: Yuuki Miku AKA Bus Slut</td></tr>
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<div>
Daisuke Sato may have passed away recently, but the manga has been dead for years now. Not due to a lack of popularity, but rather because the writer just stopped. There are several rumors floating around as to why.</div>
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Some say it's because there was a pretty big earthquake and the writer lost his taste for plunging society into chaos after seeing the real thing. Others say he just got bored, and others still maintain it's because the writer and artist had differences of opinion regarding who the best girl was.</div>
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<br />Because yes, HotD is one of those manga with one guy doing the writing and another doing the art. </div>
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The artist is still alive by the way. He has long since moved on and is doing <i>Triage X </i>at the moment. </div>
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Some people have even suggested that since the writer is dead, it is now possible for Shoji Sato (the artist) to continue the series. </div>
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Personally, I'm hoping that doesn't happen.</div>
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HotD has a very special edge to it, a very unique anger, and it's clear to me that has everything to do with the writer and not the artist. Triage X may have fanservice and violence but it doesn't have the same emotion behind it. </div>
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Note that I'm not saying HotD is some sort of high literature. Not at all. However, Daisuke Sato put something of himself inside that work and it shows. Now that's gone and there is no way of replacing that. </div>
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Goodbye, HotD.</div>
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Goodbye, Daisuke Sato.</div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-90680443297351739362017-03-16T20:00:00.000-07:002017-03-16T20:00:36.769-07:00Konosuba S2 ep. 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGUdxbhJWx4ob1uQxGisD9d12yja5jI023LC9gyUdlh4HRDbRV7XMYJe_ieHlSn4BVzypYiT40E7pICKgeRyu4mgCG4ufzR-TeJYfW1EvGSZOx8dQ_ydy2i8-ojYea-RAuQ9JhrQfw5BJ/s1600/1489594914116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGUdxbhJWx4ob1uQxGisD9d12yja5jI023LC9gyUdlh4HRDbRV7XMYJe_ieHlSn4BVzypYiT40E7pICKgeRyu4mgCG4ufzR-TeJYfW1EvGSZOx8dQ_ydy2i8-ojYea-RAuQ9JhrQfw5BJ/s400/1489594914116.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The end, barring a third season, is here.</div>
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Let's enjoy! <o:p></o:p></div>
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The group successfully escapes the inn using Aqua's hagoromo as a balloon. </div>
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Bet you never thought the opening was going to be relevant.</div>
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Instead of fleeing the town like any sane person would do, they go right to the source of the hot springs. Someone is contaminating them, and Aqua wants to save the Axis Cult.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even if it really would be better for everyone but very few people if the Axis Cult didn't exist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once they get there, they find Hans, the guy who we saw walking around town last episode. </div>
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Turns out Hans has been contaminating the hot springs, and Wiz is quick to identify Hans as a member of the Demon King's army.</div>
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That's right. Aqua was right. Wrap your heads around that plot twist!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being a veteran of many games, Kazuma is quick to challenge Hans. After all, the guy is "only" a deadly poisonous smile, and everyone knows slimes suck. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That's when Wiz reveals he is one of the eight generals of the Demon King's army. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After a quick strategic retreat, Aqua decides to go back to save her cult. </div>
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You got to hand it to her. Aqua cares a lot about her followers. Enough to stick her hand into poisoned water... even if the world probably is better off without the Axis Cult.</div>
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Anyway, the cultists see Aqua and the others fighting the giant slime monster and decided to help out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And you know what? I got to hand this to Konosuba. They really know how to use their irrelevant background characters. We have only known these guys for two episodes, but they are distinctive enough that we can recognize them. They are not a bunch of nobodies. They are a bunch of very annoying, morally challenged cultists. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And that makes all the difference. </div>
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The episode also shows us another side of Wiz. We have heard often enough that she is very powerful. We have seen proof of that power when she used Explosion in the S1 finale, but we have never really seen her in serious mode.</div>
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Until now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hans killing a non-combatant is enough to really piss her off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her deal with the Demon King says she will not interfere if adventurers or knights are killed since that's part of their job. Civilians getting killed though? That's not cool. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We saw angry Wiz let loose with the cold and it was great.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, credit to Kazuma. It takes some serious balls to make a plan that relies on you getting melted to your very bones. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, the start of the episode is Aqua.</div>
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She is the one who is powered by the faith of her faithful to strike the last blow. It was great seeing God Blow and God Requiem after so long, and seeing the Axis Cult recite their creed was as funny as it was awesome, and again, it works so well because of how familiar we have become with these side characters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yep. Aqua struck a great blow against evil,.. and purified all the hot springs in the process, rendering them useless.</div>
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Oops. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end, the party has to run away from the city.</div>
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But it's fine. Aqua's ego may have suffered a blow, but that's nothing new. The important thing is Axel is still there. Their home is still there, and their friends are still there,<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have said this before, but Kazuma and his party have truly created a place for themselves, and it's a damn comfy place at that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For them, it truly is a wonderful world filled with blessings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here's hoping for a third season!<o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-85759805986282578062017-03-15T20:00:00.000-07:002017-03-15T20:00:06.017-07:00Konosuba S2 Ep. 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW297P1IVEeLEM84-kn8KuIghTq2Z8iRHYc42C6tLrBY7rgG45IF6jFq27SpEC6VLoiX6w4OPsCqT3xcKkSklqWNOuEM6MPYW2f7G1yrTxPhsEPcFKLvTu4hAj2KCQESX7l77EPBC2y2s/s1600/1489245767433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW297P1IVEeLEM84-kn8KuIghTq2Z8iRHYc42C6tLrBY7rgG45IF6jFq27SpEC6VLoiX6w4OPsCqT3xcKkSklqWNOuEM6MPYW2f7G1yrTxPhsEPcFKLvTu4hAj2KCQESX7l77EPBC2y2s/s400/1489245767433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gather round. Gather round. </div>
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For the very quick and largely self-inflicted fall of Aqua!</div>
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Last episode, Kazuma discovered the horrors of the Axis Cult. </div>
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However, Aqua is actually having a pretty good time in a town where everyone thinks she is the greatest thing ever, and she is in no hurry to leave. Since this is Konosuba, high horses only exist to make your fall that much greater and this case is no different. Even if Aqua needs to be dragged down from her horse, kicking and screaming all the way.</div>
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Naturally, Kazuma starts by confessing his many sins against her.</div>
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That's right, Aqua. Your high-class alcohol was a lie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Later that day, Megumin reveals her big plan had been to use Aqua's natural ability to attract undead so the party could get some adventuring done. Her plan worked, but sadly, the cost was too high. She wasn't ready for the horrors of the Axis Cult. </div>
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It did work better than Kazuma's plan to bathe with Darkness, Wiz, and Megumin though. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On the plus side, he did get to see that hot girl who will totally not be relevant to the plot in the far future. </div>
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Nope. </div>
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Not at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBil1eYofMcAD9ROj1mkUvL5HGcnCy3P1fE8IEd4c8MCPX9nNNg2ekByeu_ox2_LMGR-TUE4xL_iWsIN0u8o1aBqRAD5ZgOjMzatBNWKC_WnMtDdhrpCYVoL_J_qybeCVML2O_ct32KLH/s1600/1489338866176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBil1eYofMcAD9ROj1mkUvL5HGcnCy3P1fE8IEd4c8MCPX9nNNg2ekByeu_ox2_LMGR-TUE4xL_iWsIN0u8o1aBqRAD5ZgOjMzatBNWKC_WnMtDdhrpCYVoL_J_qybeCVML2O_ct32KLH/s400/1489338866176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Anyway, back to Aqua and things getting worse for her, largely due to her own fault. </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">It has been established in previous episodes all the way back to Season 1 that Aqua has the ability to purify water. It is not something she controls. It's just something that happens when she comes in contact with most liquids.</span></div>
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Like the water from the hot springs for example. Thus turning it into simple hot water.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Suffice to say, the cultists weren't happy about that and kicked her out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSfbm84V7PIMTXTQeinq62qzg3uLWjn1WqnOMK1H_y6yImhX2k7QKCoNVgnfQk3yzgkK3IOB5RHqZ8fAnzM2JaH1X61_M2HyZA4U37V3UOmNTHzUQMl0oJ8o2NxE5Ot1-6XlcLxm37ObH/s1600/1489288746590.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSfbm84V7PIMTXTQeinq62qzg3uLWjn1WqnOMK1H_y6yImhX2k7QKCoNVgnfQk3yzgkK3IOB5RHqZ8fAnzM2JaH1X61_M2HyZA4U37V3UOmNTHzUQMl0oJ8o2NxE5Ot1-6XlcLxm37ObH/s400/1489288746590.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">A smart person would have cut her losses, but no one will ever accuse Aqua of that. After becoming aware something is happening to the town's hot springs, Aqua becomes convinced something evil is afoot. Something that would be completely silly were it not for the mysterious guy Kazuma has seen wandering about town.</span></div>
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After bullying poor Darkness into helping her, Aqua decides to investigate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By visiting every single hot spring in town. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Remember that thing about Aqua purifying water?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yeah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aqua's plan backfires so badly the entire town is ready to lynch her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They truly are, beyond any shadow of doubt, Aqua's people. <o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-40489044842639542642017-03-08T20:00:00.000-08:002017-03-08T20:00:06.200-08:00Konosuba S2 Ep. 8<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOpJr-pU9S0XbC4CtVgxFfnEzfCqksU6G81AuhAhA5ndjB5q9rS9lL8SZzdafMvjuOqRwSsKoQWaw_VC0zQQeZ0eb9du2RMfcLzGoZzor2TBA7r6v5Zwk3jtRc1kwrw84VTbgLrE0kydK/s1600/1488403976551.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOpJr-pU9S0XbC4CtVgxFfnEzfCqksU6G81AuhAhA5ndjB5q9rS9lL8SZzdafMvjuOqRwSsKoQWaw_VC0zQQeZ0eb9du2RMfcLzGoZzor2TBA7r6v5Zwk3jtRc1kwrw84VTbgLrE0kydK/s400/1488403976551.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't it sad, Yun Yun?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">This was, without a doubt, the funniest episode of Konosuba ever.</span></div>
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Last time, we left the party fighting some emus.</div>
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To the surprise of absolutely no one, the party wins, proving themselves superior to the entire continent of Australia. Kazuma comes up with a plan, Megumin explodes things, and Darkness makes things weird.</div>
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The day is saved which would not be a bad thing except for the part where they are responsible for everyone being in danger in the first place, something that has Kazuma feeling pretty damn guilty as everyone else treats his party as epic heroes instead of epic screw-ups.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoeSFm3QTleLUo0STv_Ac_lANP5p6UPt0KnpeL-_CEB4hIylv892FTYQqzqv6n5N6BOEecbZVZddL9S4nwyn7UHkMWePboCihtg7Rjje1n2VsOs4dELQWiAF9BpVqBU3XHyuIR3HG0qGB/s1600/1488422068254.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoeSFm3QTleLUo0STv_Ac_lANP5p6UPt0KnpeL-_CEB4hIylv892FTYQqzqv6n5N6BOEecbZVZddL9S4nwyn7UHkMWePboCihtg7Rjje1n2VsOs4dELQWiAF9BpVqBU3XHyuIR3HG0qGB/s400/1488422068254.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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However, things don't stop there. That very night a group of zombies attack.</div>
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Which is very rare.</div>
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And obviously has nothing to do with Aqua being undead bait.</div>
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No way.</div>
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On the plus side, the situation is dealt with pretty quickly since Aqua is super-effective against the undead. It's also nice to see Kazuma doesn't want to take any reward for the job they did. For all that people call him Scumzuma and Trashzuma, the guy does have a moral compass.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl5PjJ2o0wV4nLZ7dpS3ifVH8YQ_BuJlRWaKJTuFCnONO3-ULu6NnZedT7YYhf-Ayq1LkAK6QiQ8Y6qFrRBDvoF7WCJBQrAduRKEbuBYGfse2XbWl1o6rhFuTWo58e0JB07bpYMS2xhlc/s1600/1488415066287.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl5PjJ2o0wV4nLZ7dpS3ifVH8YQ_BuJlRWaKJTuFCnONO3-ULu6NnZedT7YYhf-Ayq1LkAK6QiQ8Y6qFrRBDvoF7WCJBQrAduRKEbuBYGfse2XbWl1o6rhFuTWo58e0JB07bpYMS2xhlc/s400/1488415066287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After many trials, the group arrives to the city of Hot Springs, Alcanretia.</div>
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It also happens to be the home of the Axis Cult.</div>
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As in the cult that worships Aqua.</div>
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Yeah.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxybiewG2DbrwRNbjGAusK3P5o8kfK1Ex4vRqbjmIE7y5Ii5duryiEsKaFmqsiub6a6n0O253D6PakpiW-Yy0QPEXOf1oPvrMMRkfadn_ZaeXLn4jjFdTXOZiL1aN427iHVW78R51xgSa/s1600/1488419908594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxybiewG2DbrwRNbjGAusK3P5o8kfK1Ex4vRqbjmIE7y5Ii5duryiEsKaFmqsiub6a6n0O253D6PakpiW-Yy0QPEXOf1oPvrMMRkfadn_ZaeXLn4jjFdTXOZiL1aN427iHVW78R51xgSa/s400/1488419908594.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With Wiz recovering from being nearly purified by Aqua (Am I the only one who was reminded of how much I miss Beldia there?), Aqua enjoying the attention she is receiving, and Megumin babysitting Aqua, Kazuma and Darkness are left on their own to explore the city.</div>
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Which leads to something absolutely beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_oZyp1gpIronbcktMdI8yvNqZMaop3FyN6SW5AyCPibDqucKyyZddmDyuT5QVOcDVpxE9PlzghwUK0TnGu58-Xva78TXSQ9ahdEVPI1MqHVdt_-m3DyUmSNlHwOVaPMhTZhGgePxdk5X/s1600/1488402375099.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_oZyp1gpIronbcktMdI8yvNqZMaop3FyN6SW5AyCPibDqucKyyZddmDyuT5QVOcDVpxE9PlzghwUK0TnGu58-Xva78TXSQ9ahdEVPI1MqHVdt_-m3DyUmSNlHwOVaPMhTZhGgePxdk5X/s400/1488402375099.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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In less than half an episode, Konosuba goes through just about every overused scam there is out there. </div>
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The fake former school buddy. The grateful stranger telling you how cool the Axis cult is. The poor woman you can only save from the obviously evil Eris Worshiper by joining the Axis Cult, and of course, the icing on the cake, the cute loli trying to trick them.</div>
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Kazuma is soon exhausted by these people. Darkness is turned on by the sheer spite they treat her with.</div>
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It's another day in Konosuba.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqhtLy97XiCvTXa9Cboxv3hsRxT056FMNqETcsv2siY69jPaCqsHRjpbOy7khANOhkzYeg7J_7vg8Dc0_9NHEmEJly3MikxZ6jeTYRoVm6a5NIgQ39ZQbIK8VZipMhMkCxLd1Wu8oPm96/s1600/1488403078472.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqhtLy97XiCvTXa9Cboxv3hsRxT056FMNqETcsv2siY69jPaCqsHRjpbOy7khANOhkzYeg7J_7vg8Dc0_9NHEmEJly3MikxZ6jeTYRoVm6a5NIgQ39ZQbIK8VZipMhMkCxLd1Wu8oPm96/s400/1488403078472.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-227035653977337722017-03-01T20:00:00.000-08:002017-03-01T20:00:09.124-08:00Konosuba S2 Ep. 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnkbKmGxDjTWlw4nm5ZGprVGftfh24gBrjgYNfrICvwXBGofS1BCOxGWMA6LUqJgRk40QYBi7sJchZ3lhT1DHf-0FXFIKGmTv08HP1Oht9KwouBxBo6GL3vqfbGKZArMMv-vmj0ziZJC2/s1600/1487779613046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnkbKmGxDjTWlw4nm5ZGprVGftfh24gBrjgYNfrICvwXBGofS1BCOxGWMA6LUqJgRk40QYBi7sJchZ3lhT1DHf-0FXFIKGmTv08HP1Oht9KwouBxBo6GL3vqfbGKZArMMv-vmj0ziZJC2/s320/1487779613046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Megumin stumbles into a parallel dimension where Kazuma and Aqua get along!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwXJlSlZz3KRd5O71c4tNcp15IfCMxoXK6IXPiwj1D7kJU0EKCWbrvlA4P0qLd_rLrbTAv1ok9FjUorUjioi3fz_omIVD2LM-dNCguGalQVEmwYZcDHi7Q9dRAtkjd0sy6i2MTDMlEoxQ/s1600/1487799619183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwXJlSlZz3KRd5O71c4tNcp15IfCMxoXK6IXPiwj1D7kJU0EKCWbrvlA4P0qLd_rLrbTAv1ok9FjUorUjioi3fz_omIVD2LM-dNCguGalQVEmwYZcDHi7Q9dRAtkjd0sy6i2MTDMlEoxQ/s400/1487799619183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Okay, not really. But it sure as hell felt like that to her for those first few minutes.</div>
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Last episode, Vanir proposed a business deal to Kazuma. This episode we find out just how much money he stands to gain from said deal. As it turns out, it's a lot. Enough that he won't have to worry about working for quite a while.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As an aside, the interaction between Aqua and Vanir was hilarious. It's nice to have someone else who knows of her true status. It makes the rivalry between the two work even better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHaBoZt-C2QlIockjypzSwv8nTbl1CnEDgl4Oas2G5sYKix4hRXrUt38ZFQIPgGN3AUVfQ_qhR3T7s4KYpQmOg_c8CIDmVNvQr4gRT6SmSxJaCRpgQWQXHNL5Y2_D1t0pC_u9TJ4vwchr/s1600/1487784353936.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHaBoZt-C2QlIockjypzSwv8nTbl1CnEDgl4Oas2G5sYKix4hRXrUt38ZFQIPgGN3AUVfQ_qhR3T7s4KYpQmOg_c8CIDmVNvQr4gRT6SmSxJaCRpgQWQXHNL5Y2_D1t0pC_u9TJ4vwchr/s320/1487784353936.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyway, Kazuma is going to get rich very soon and naturally, Aqua is suddenly his best friend ever. Money means they don't have to work. In fact, they don't need to risk their lives against monsters anymore.</div>
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The Demon Lord? If they make enough money, they can just pay high-level adventurers to kill him for them! Who needs weapons when you can bitch-slap people with huge wads of money!<o:p></o:p></div>
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All hail the power of money!</div>
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You know, as much as the two argue, they can really think alike when the situation calls for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oq0hoysLgX3fxMEKw1utscikZAy_66pvXdDRyknO5GBoyJaw3Vj2l8SkfkWw9jrabdutGRGAneaBRp8cAX2gwq-tTAihDo_rxZt04mz2kw2sq__wrNSWyDqmJs3dn3ArB0gS93zQu4G-/s1600/1487780578688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oq0hoysLgX3fxMEKw1utscikZAy_66pvXdDRyknO5GBoyJaw3Vj2l8SkfkWw9jrabdutGRGAneaBRp8cAX2gwq-tTAihDo_rxZt04mz2kw2sq__wrNSWyDqmJs3dn3ArB0gS93zQu4G-/s400/1487780578688.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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While Darkness is turned on by seeing Kazuma become Scumzuma, Megumin is not quite so thrilled. She demands the party go out adventuring, but Kazuma rightly points out he is recovering from a broken neck.</div>
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So Megumin suggests they go to a city with lots of hot springs for no ulterior motives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kazuma agrees for no ulterior motives at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And Vanir gets Kazuma to take Wiz for no ulterior motives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So yeah, lots of ulterior motives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, and Kazuma is really good at Rock-Paper-Scissors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aB_8bNL1NGwuEn8E3csmPvKQ6gOzLiPFVQ_eWcaqd0UJxHCyWKNTmPmHZimFn_qRGfcDZQ8AlO6otUVukpTu0FQgokRXflrLXntSNr-4SM3kdley5JyjkAq3W2xF4L_PZWpI2vkdnalM/s1600/1487781031412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aB_8bNL1NGwuEn8E3csmPvKQ6gOzLiPFVQ_eWcaqd0UJxHCyWKNTmPmHZimFn_qRGfcDZQ8AlO6otUVukpTu0FQgokRXflrLXntSNr-4SM3kdley5JyjkAq3W2xF4L_PZWpI2vkdnalM/s400/1487781031412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since something has to happen every episode, the part is attacked by Emus.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yeah, they call them something else, but those are clearly Emus. Dangerous, dangerous real-world animals.</div>
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They won a war, you know? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, for reasons completely unrelated to Darkness' insanely tough body that can withstand an Explosion, the animals that are attracted to hard bodies decide to attack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being the fearless Crusader that she is, Darkness charges at the enemy with absolutely no perverted thoughts in her mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yep.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Totally.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A brave one she is, that Darkness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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...<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being Kazuma truly is suffering. <o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-50289260658325580882017-02-23T17:00:00.000-08:002017-02-23T17:00:18.693-08:00Konosuba S2 Ep. 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB_V1VXO-D5ei8aoPaEcgiMV552Q8VROb5GlneY_3WkCcRks0LuSenMhe_KB8GNr4hVPObLcu9LI_0U_x1QPhfQjNhkmqOUEFQ78FTrvib5t8Iou9Flmp-sSs6jElXjQbDrwFGizeC7qU/s1600/1487175511812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB_V1VXO-D5ei8aoPaEcgiMV552Q8VROb5GlneY_3WkCcRks0LuSenMhe_KB8GNr4hVPObLcu9LI_0U_x1QPhfQjNhkmqOUEFQ78FTrvib5t8Iou9Flmp-sSs6jElXjQbDrwFGizeC7qU/s400/1487175511812.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Adversity brings the best and worst of us.</div>
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In Kazuma's case, it can be said he is someone whose good points only show up when he is struggling against adversity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That means that without adversity, he regresses back to his useless NEET self.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwZpbRnCHDjepoFcQOjEkHdDMzyjHbNzcx1eDDtNI7g75-Dr-zcdDk6N5BgaclyRy9zkWAiDkAd05RPXfjAEE-q_rMZMC7pZrLo9XjN_IGeTP_yl327K6tPl_QFVwXRIwGEpukRvM2wwx/s1600/1487174797883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwZpbRnCHDjepoFcQOjEkHdDMzyjHbNzcx1eDDtNI7g75-Dr-zcdDk6N5BgaclyRy9zkWAiDkAd05RPXfjAEE-q_rMZMC7pZrLo9XjN_IGeTP_yl327K6tPl_QFVwXRIwGEpukRvM2wwx/s320/1487174797883.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As it turns out Vanir (or should that be Vanir Mk. II now?) is alive and working at Wiz' store now. Unlike Wiz, it turns out he does have good business sense and offers a deal to Kazuma. He just needs to make goods from his world, and Vanir will ensure they are produced and sold.</div>
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No longer having to worry about being charged for treason, with plenty of money in his pockets, and even more to come, Kazuma gives himself to his laziness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At least until he gets thrown out of the window. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_n81MgD93HaCLx3A-XnKXAXiDcFstvZWHDIMqMg9lUzRluGUCkCVgzfj9xRN5PJ-7ItzwVqpwXkJjbDTuai9_XBDuPCg_RnOUue8ZvcaWlCsbvEEv8hWi0Cp6wjkG1uP3oueRdtGiA_P/s1600/1487175332616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_n81MgD93HaCLx3A-XnKXAXiDcFstvZWHDIMqMg9lUzRluGUCkCVgzfj9xRN5PJ-7ItzwVqpwXkJjbDTuai9_XBDuPCg_RnOUue8ZvcaWlCsbvEEv8hWi0Cp6wjkG1uP3oueRdtGiA_P/s400/1487175332616.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needs a Havel's Ring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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However, Kazuma is not completely hopeless. He did use his money to have an armor made just for him... which he realizes is too heavy for him to move upon putting it on.</div>
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Got to boost strength and stamina if you want to equip Heavy Armor, Kazuma. That's the basics.</div>
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But hey! He had a Katana made... which is a bit too long for him to wear in a cool way so he needs to cut it in half... and promptly gets named Chunchunmaru.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I could make more jokes here, but it'd waste entirely too much time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd01eiiB-pmf6hBq2vP3708MQCdLGCl_JKhuS7ibEi5-wAVugOD_r1tzsYYwf1Os3uPRmK0v4NAWHKilvEkK974TiNmavYxsNjoOpEMa-Cse6hPQqtHGFjjJoP_cQ0ZKzKSYOVm8XeQu_/s1600/1487175779327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd01eiiB-pmf6hBq2vP3708MQCdLGCl_JKhuS7ibEi5-wAVugOD_r1tzsYYwf1Os3uPRmK0v4NAWHKilvEkK974TiNmavYxsNjoOpEMa-Cse6hPQqtHGFjjJoP_cQ0ZKzKSYOVm8XeQu_/s400/1487175779327.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kazuma's humiliations do not end there. What should have been a relatively simple mission ends up in his death thanks to a combination of Aqua being Aqua and Kazuma power-draining Megumin earlier that day.</div>
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It's really enough to make a guy wish to get reincarnated in a perfect life with a cute step-sister, you know?<o:p></o:p></div>
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At least that's how things would have ended up if Megumin hadn't taken advantage of Kazuma's unconscious body. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All Hail Excalibur! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlMvwEXW_Wx5ZEVGBLfnHCzZKRF42V2S-M9x0HBwLIiFfXs4FEwLWeAUjytdU711FRKTF6q5P77gxMEyiOerezdzjqkEM6pKgkoLqflMOzXV0sPy8vR2eTbGsoGn34SZV8NBVI2WBq1s_/s1600/1487175912278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlMvwEXW_Wx5ZEVGBLfnHCzZKRF42V2S-M9x0HBwLIiFfXs4FEwLWeAUjytdU711FRKTF6q5P77gxMEyiOerezdzjqkEM6pKgkoLqflMOzXV0sPy8vR2eTbGsoGn34SZV8NBVI2WBq1s_/s400/1487175912278.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But seriously, it is nice to see the girls do care for Kazuma... even if he has already concluded Eris is the True Heroine ™.</div>
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All in all, this episode serves as a reminder not just to Kazuma but to the audience that even when all seems to be going well for him, Kazuma is Kazuma and his party is full of weirdos and misfits. <o:p></o:p></div>
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No matter how many things they achieve, there will always be a kick to the balls waiting around the corner. <o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-5988629105292497412017-02-09T17:00:00.000-08:002017-02-09T17:00:04.126-08:00Konosuba S2 Ep. 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SLNsxE5IUW49fuWsjl7W3B2QASlsff65X1U6YUT365E7LswPZhl3f1S4wyfzKay0UFI98Pr9XqWBUX8mLUJFpR2ejl8VCGwwWOgz-ZPoRY2_-RwgmnWzeZ1znj6t5btV4YDlNTNhTisR/s1600/1486588796341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SLNsxE5IUW49fuWsjl7W3B2QASlsff65X1U6YUT365E7LswPZhl3f1S4wyfzKay0UFI98Pr9XqWBUX8mLUJFpR2ejl8VCGwwWOgz-ZPoRY2_-RwgmnWzeZ1znj6t5btV4YDlNTNhTisR/s400/1486588796341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">A new episode. A new enemy. A new Explosion.</span></div>
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It's Konosuba time! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last<span style="text-indent: 0in;"> episode ended with Sena bursting into the room looking for Kazuma. This time we find out that the dungeon Aqua and Kazuma cleared a few episodes ago now has a bunch of monsters coming out of it, something that looks really suspicious given Kazuma is still suspected of treason.</span></div>
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However, Kazuma is quick to affirm he has absolutely nothing to do with this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I mean, it's not like Aqua made a super potent purification circle that happens to drive monsters away from the deepest part of the dungeon thus leading them to the top by default. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2HT4WtwHWetrX36sb-jsaqPWSwNpLayAeANjLuBVMzPDuCBqULhActMpPrHxoBFxMM3wL9ehR16XJq7AcfofJBbHxmC1Kd9_mnIV7jiEeYuWPKZt_0_8tEFbUgoD1NqP7hNx1TZGWZGT/s1600/1486570902891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2HT4WtwHWetrX36sb-jsaqPWSwNpLayAeANjLuBVMzPDuCBqULhActMpPrHxoBFxMM3wL9ehR16XJq7AcfofJBbHxmC1Kd9_mnIV7jiEeYuWPKZt_0_8tEFbUgoD1NqP7hNx1TZGWZGT/s400/1486570902891.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">In order to hide this, Kazuma and Darkness go into the dungeon to deal with the monsters. It's interesting only the two of them go (plus some </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">mooks</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> that get left behind), but it makes sense.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;"></span>Megumin<span style="text-indent: 0in;"> is useless inside a dungeon and Aqua is still traumatized from last time.</span></div>
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Fortunately, the little demon dolls coming out the dungeon are actually slow enough that Darkness can actually hit them, </div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Unfortunately, the one making the dolls is one of the Demon Lord's generals, Vanir.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">As an aside, Darkness getting excited that she can finally hit something is absolutely adorable.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamE9LW4k0eIkulekWbL2lXAI7tELlsi21w1VqImab8zhrB7nYccFxrjMME66zZlVZZWVYCPY0nP89X4mYLO3xF0cOznMwbqacgullS3sQz_GsWAzU56WRrCBDwkPYkp77RYF7I9Xf3nuC/s1600/1486590321912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamE9LW4k0eIkulekWbL2lXAI7tELlsi21w1VqImab8zhrB7nYccFxrjMME66zZlVZZWVYCPY0nP89X4mYLO3xF0cOznMwbqacgullS3sQz_GsWAzU56WRrCBDwkPYkp77RYF7I9Xf3nuC/s400/1486590321912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">I want to say something about the Demon Lord's generals being no joke, but this is Konosuba so everyone is a joke, and Vanir is no exception what with his goal being to die while successfully trolling adventurers.</span></div>
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Regardless, the point stands. Vanir, like all generals, is actually pretty strong. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Worst of all, he is the first one to notice Aqua is a goddess thanks to his all-seeing eye!<o:p></o:p></div>
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His all-seeing eye also allows for some pretty comedic moments between Darkness and Kazuma. The bet from last episode weighs heavily on their minds it seems. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I approve. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OoVc2k_6M7Os-dOBOj-NXdJ5v1BlhaMGk6b2SpCkByYMkYFh1ZXgkT1IoFAzExP1EHVx9HDtlKFosGJHmm49Rtmh7PvdO7eI8f5DoQFEE65im5kD4z5k8sEcFGaebDBeC5dtP18kuzHh/s1600/1486581559676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OoVc2k_6M7Os-dOBOj-NXdJ5v1BlhaMGk6b2SpCkByYMkYFh1ZXgkT1IoFAzExP1EHVx9HDtlKFosGJHmm49Rtmh7PvdO7eI8f5DoQFEE65im5kD4z5k8sEcFGaebDBeC5dtP18kuzHh/s400/1486581559676.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Things take a turn for the worse when Vanir takes over Darkness' body... or they would have </span>were<span style="text-indent: 0in;"> it not for the part where Darkness' sheer masochism makes her able to endure the possession to a hilarious extent.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Being a pervert makes your mind stronger to demonic possession. Who knew?</span></div>
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Regardless, with Vanir in charge of Darkness' body, she proves to be a very formidable foe. However, at the end of the day, she is still Darkness and Kazuma is still Kazuma, taking advantage of the <span style="text-indent: 0in;">weaknesses of others is what he does best.</span></div>
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When you think about it he is the one who sounds more like a demon, isn't he?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, this was a fun episode. I liked the Darkness-Kazuma combo quite a bit. Plus, Kazuma has cleared himself of suspicions and made a hefty profit in the process. </div>
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A new chapter of his adventure is about to begin and I'm looking forward to it! <o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259683869706417093.post-66426798556962598152017-02-04T15:00:00.000-08:002017-02-04T15:00:22.820-08:00The Isekai Boom<div class="MsoNormal">
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Once upon a time, it was all about high-school battle harems. While that genre hasn't exactly faded from the current anime and manga market, it's impossible to ignore the surge of a new (but not really) trend over the past years.<br />
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Today, we talk about the Isekai genre.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Let's start with the basics. Just what is the Isekai genre?</div>
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Isekai is a word that pretty much means 'another world' or 'different world.' As in 'I reincarnated in another world' or 'I woke up in another world.' All Isekai stories follow the same basic premise of the protagonist somehow ending up in some sort of parallel world. <o:p></o:p><br />
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That world will usually be some sort of medieval fantasy land. Sometimes, the world will have its fair share of RPG mechanics because everyone loves <i>Dragon Quest</i>. <o:p></o:p><br />
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If you're thinking of <i>Re:Zero</i> at this point, then congratulations. <i>Re:Zero</i> is an example of an Isekai story. <i>Konosuba</i> is one too even though it is parodic in nature. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let's make one thing clear, the idea of a normal person being transported to a fantasy world is not even remotely new. Alice in Wonderland is a thing.</div>
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It's not even new to anime.</div>
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<i>Magic Knight Rayearth</i>, anyone? <i>El-Hazard</i>? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i> <i>Those Who Hunt Elves</i>? <o:p></o:p></div>
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So yes, it is not a new concept. In fact, it is a very popular concept and for good reason. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Transporting an everyman into a fantasy land where he becomes a brave hero plays into the fantasies of the audience while also providing a perfect way to provide exposition.</div>
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Since the main character is ignorant to the ways of the world, it is natural for him to ask questions about things that would be common knowledge for everyone else. The writer can afford to make him ask questions that would sound really dumb coming from someone who had grown up in the fantasy world without exasperating his audience. <o:p></o:p><br />
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All in all, it is a very useful hook. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">However, there is a clear difference between the old stories and the new brand of Isekai that's popping up all over the place nowadays. Let's start with the obvious one: Self-awareness.</span><br />
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New Isekai works have developed a high-level of self-awareness. This self-awareness is not just about the main character being genre savvy, but the story itself is aware of its own genre and willingly goes along its own mechanics. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Basically, it's the difference between <i>Love Hina</i> which popularized a concept, and the other romantic comedies that followed which willingly and eagerly embraced the harem comedy for both better and worse.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Speaking of mechanics, let's talk about the RGP aspect. In </span><i style="text-indent: 0in;">Re:Zero</i><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> this manifests as resets. In plain terms, anytime Subaru dies he gets taken back in time to an arbitrarily chosen save point. As he clears each "stage" his save point keeps moving forward.</span><br />
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This is not the only example. In fact, plenty of Isekai are quite a bit more blatant in their RGP-like mechanics. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<i>Rising of the Shield Hero</i> (which is total trash) embraces the whole deal with Levels and Skills. <i>Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?</i> (which is adorable in manga format but sucks ass in novel format so don't bother trying to read ahead of the manga) goes a bit further with defined stats, skills, and level-ups. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The big question is why? <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Well, for starters, it's an easy way to show growth.</span><br />
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Stats and levels are measurable. There is a reason why people are so obsessed about Power Levels in <i>Dragon Ball</i> even though the manga stopped giving them by the time Frieza went into his Second Form. <o:p></o:p><br />
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They are simply an easy way of measuring how strong a character is. They are a way of "telling" that is more acceptable to readers. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Imagine someone telling you your destination is still very far away and someone telling you it is two miles away. One of those is more easily understood than the other. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Plus, it plays into the power fantasy aspect. Grind hard and lord your stats over everyone. Can't ever forget that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">In the end, we have a combination of fantasy, game elements, and an everyman protagonist. It provides an easy vehicle for self-insertion (Note: That is not a bad thing in and of itself) into a very attractive setting where success can easily be measured.</span><br />
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Note that plenty of times the protagonists are reincarnated into the fantasy world after dying for one reason or another (Trucks. It's always Trucks). This provides the protagonist with a way to live his life again and not make the same mistakes of the past. <o:p></o:p><br />
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That's a very powerful theme that will naturally appeal to just about everyone, because who doesn't have regrets. Who hasn't ever thought, "Man, I should have totally done this thing instead of that thing back then?"<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">That combination of factors </span>are<span style="text-indent: 0in;"> why the Isekai genre is kind of booming right now. You see it a lot in web novels and plenty of them are getting adapted into Manga, Light Novels, and Anime.</span></div>
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People see this particular genre and it appeals to them. Some of them get encouraged to try writing a web novel. Some of those gain a big enough fan-following, and some of those get noticed by editors and publishers. <o:p></o:p><br />
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This cycle is what has contributed towards creating the Isekai boom. It is a boom with very strong roots in fan-created content. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Of course, the fact that this usually starts out as self-published novels means there is very little in the way of quality control which gives way to either edgy revenge fantasies (which are bad) or just very boring, very droll stuff that's nothing but narrating how the character levelled up and learned so and so skill (which is worse).</span></div>
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It's especially bad when that's the stuff that gets adapted into manga. What's popular and what's good are not mutually exclusive, but they are also not necessarily the same. <o:p></o:p><br />
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On the plus side, <i>Konosuba</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Regardless, for better or worse, this boom does not look like it's going to end anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
Hazardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145768644591538514noreply@blogger.com1