Tag: Japan

First Look: Anime Winter 2014 – Part 2

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

First Look: Anime Winter 2014 – Part 1

Buddy Complex
バディ・コンプレックス

BuddyComplexPlot: Watase Aoba is like many high schoolers in the present day; he is good at basketball and he has exceptional friends. But a returning student named Yumihara reveals he is destined for greater things in a future where the world is locked in war.

The Good: There wasn’t much to go by in the first episode. The series fed me tidbits of what was to come but and there was enough to keep me hungry for more. Give me mechs, give me a hero and I’ll be the biggest fan you ever saw. And yes, there is even hints of a possible romance with a schoolmate. Yes, some guys watch romances. Although we don’t tell you, we watch chick flicks, but for us it’s called anime.

The Bad: A few of the character designs are too similar. So close were they that I confused the main character with a side character.

The Ugly: This series is looking good because I couldn’t find (yet) anything wrong with it.

The Verdict: This is my type of series. I’m looking forward to episode 2.

4.5 out of 5

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4sm83AmFqU&w=420&h=315]
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Patlabor: The Future of Mechs is Here

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

The Next Generation -Patlabor- official trailer is online and fans will be pleased to know that the production company, Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, is not only offering a feature-length film but also a live action theatrical series. Thirteen episodes (episodes 1-12 and episode 0) will be broken up up into a seven part saga.

Part one of the series will make its debut on April 5, 2014 at the Shinjuku Piccadilly cinema in Tokyo Prefecture as well as several other theatres throughout Japan. The 100-minute feature film, written and directed by Mamoru Oshii, will be shown during Japan’s Golden Week (between the end of April and the beginning of May) in 2015.
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First Look at Anime Winter 2014 – Part 1

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

First Look: Anime Winter – Part 2

Nobunaga the Fool
ノブナガ・ザ・フール

NobunagaFoolPlot: Two planets (East and West) were once connected by a civilization long since past. Now both these worlds have developed their own cultures. Jeanne Kaguya D’Arc, a girl from the peaceful Western Planet, is prophesized to be the Savior of the World. With the help of Leonardo Da Vinci, she travels to the Eastern planet, a place still locked in war. Nobunaga the Fool wants to change his world and a chance meeting with Jeanne may give him the power he needs to achieve his goal.
The Good: The impressive mech designs.
The Bad: Admiral Magellan looks like the man who failed to become the captain of the Love Boat. He provides the comic relief.
The Ugly: Perhaps its the Japanese theatrics but this series is pretentious, bloated and sadly, as mentioned above, unintended comedy when there is meant to be serious drama.
The Verdict: I’ll watch a few more episodes just because I’m a softie for mechs.

2 out of 5

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARFSndmskA8&w=420&h=315]
Continue reading “First Look at Anime Winter 2014 – Part 1”

The Wind up Geek’s Best of Anime – 2013 (Part 1)

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

James Shaw (The Wind Up Geek)
James Sulley or James Shaw?

I’m an old otaku. That’s not measured in age but in taste. I’m from the generation when Gundam 0083, Gunbuster, Ranma ½ and Kimagure Orange Road reigned supreme [Yes folks, James is that antiquated – Ed]. The North American version of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (Battle of the Planets) started my love for anime and eventually, all things Japanese. But in early 2002, I felt disenfranchised with what televised anime offered. I was seeing more series emphasizing fan service over creating a good story.

I walked away without a tear shed for a genre I loved for decades. During that time, I made disparaging remarks about anime. The relationship was over and I was bitter, until 2013 when something rekindled my interest. “I’ll give it another chance,” I said. At first it looked as though things hadn’t changed but I searched deep and the reward was worth it.

Here is my list of anime favourites from 2013. I’m hoping the upcoming 2014 products will be just as bright.

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The Vintage Tempest’s Toy & Tech Wish-List for Santa

ed and zelda
By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Dear Santa,

I’ve been good. Really, I have. I hope it’s in your willingness to consider putting one of these wish list items under my Christmas tree. I want stuff to satisfy my love for toys or tech. I’ve boiled down my list down to five items.

Unlike my best-friend James, I have satisfied my anime craving a long time ago. There really is not much that I want (on video or otherwise) from Japan … well unless you can send me a full size operational Gundam for me to pilot so I can travel anywhere I want (around the world or in space). Or can you please give me an all expense paid trip to visit the Ghibli Museum at Mitaka Park and Fuji-Q Highland Park (I want the ability to spend a full day at each venue). That would be on top of what I really want.

I was there before, but those memories are over a decade old.

Alternatively, if you can find it in your heart to park an AT-AT at my home, well, my grin will be wider than the Grinch and the Cat Bus (from My Neighbour Totoro) combined. But in terms of being realistic, the following items are far more doable:

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A Force of Evil To Do A Power of Good

May the 5th is Children’s Day and the 501st Legion were at the Make-A-Wish in Kobe 2013 to help raise funds for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Make a WishRevenge of the 5th (May 5th) struck hard in North America giving Star Wars fans yet another reason to wear elaborate costumes and attend hobby and toy fairs. But in Japan this day has more meaning than just a celebration of one of the coolest creations in geekdom. May the 5th is Children’s Day and the 501st Legion were at the Make-A-Wish in Kobe 2013 to help raise funds for children with life-threatening illnesses.

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