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December, 2011:

Life’s Great Mysteries: Forums

Dec 31st, 2011
by marthaurion.
5 comments

We’re still in that quiet period in between seasons, so today I want to talk about forums. In particular, I was wondering how many forums people frequent and what about the forums attracts their attention, specifically anime forums.

From what I’ve noticed, anime forums often look similar, with general discussion sections to talk about certain anime and a downloads section where users can post links to download series. I use Cartoon World forums as a source for dual audio anime, but for the most part, I get anime directly from fansub sites.

Another use for forums to create a site for social interaction online. However, I find myself often using chats, like IRC and Skype, instead to communicate. Maybe I prefer to have the sense that I’m addressing someone specific, rather than just leaving a message for anyone to answer. But is it so simple?

Still, I understand that forums provide a much wider scope for communication, allowing you talk with so many more people than you can with a chat. But I feel like IRC is fairly similar if you find a popular enough one. You can definitely get some discussion going on with a plethora of people.

Another thing I’m wondering about is the forum rules. On one hand, it makes me hesitant about posting because I’m afraid of breaking the rules or re-posting something someone else has already said. But on the other hand, I don’t have to deal with the constant stream of disturbing comments people say in chats (usually sexual in nature).

I think the best part of the forum is the permanence. Without having to go through the effort of starting a blog (like someone I know >.>), you can throw out information to the world for everyone to read as long as the forums stay up. In contrast, a chat won’t show you the messages you’ve missed and it will clear when you close it.

I’d say that I want to get to the point where I’m reading forums often because of the wealth of knowledge that I’m sure to find there. I guess the problem I have is sifting through the bogus threads to reach the ones I really care about.

Another problem I have is how annoying it is to reply to someone with a fairly early post, since it just gets tagged at the end and I wonder if it’ll even matter to make the reply. I guess I really just like the way blogs organize the comments.

So that’s why I’m wondering what other people do to keep up with forum posts and such. I tried using email notifications, but that just becomes tedious sometimes for my inbox. So how do you do it? And which forums do you hang around? Any tips for an Asian guy with waaaay too much time on his hands?

Let’s Talk About SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act)

Dec 30th, 2011
by marthaurion.
21 comments

So as the title suggests, I want to give a look at SOPA, a bill currently on the table in the U.S. Congress. I know some of you guys are living in other countries, but I still feel like it’s pertinent due to the wording of the bill. Also, I like to throw this out because maybe I’m misinterpreting things and maybe I’m overreacting.

So I guess the most important question is what is SOPA? Basically, SOPA is a bill designed to allow the courts to authorize a block of certain websites that show evidence of providing copyrighted material to users illegally. This sounds all well and good, but I feel like the wording of the bill makes things a little too broad such that it can affect websites at a much larger scope.

Basically, any website that targets the U.S. is a potential target for this sort of court action. But this seems a bit off to me. Doesn’t basically every website target U.S. users in some way? It’s a world wide web, is it not?

So how does this affect us? While websites with subbed anime may not end up being affected because anime is Japanese, the file-sharing sites that host these downloads, such as Megaupload and Fileserve, will be prime targets.

Although certain sources voice their assurance that sites like Youtube and Facebook will not be affected by bill, I can easily see the possibility for them to fall to the broad wording that I’ve read. Maybe I’m biased because of the incredible implications this has to my normal browsing style.

I guess my biggest problem with this bill is the precedent it sets. I feel like even if this bill doesn’t specifically create the Great Firewall of America, it lays down the foundation for it. And having spent a lot of my time in China, I can say confidently that it’s not very fun having that sort of firewall.

Then what’s the next step? What if America starts to censor the Internet in the same way that China does? China blocks all blogging platforms because they allow users to voice their opinions, potentially about the government. I’d hate to see something like that. But maybe I’m exaggerating.

So my final opinion. If Google’s got a problem with this bill, then I’m gonna have to agree with them. I honestly understand about copyright infringement with things like music (I’d be pretty annoyed if I had to find Japanese music legally, though…so much trouble). But I feel like anime really doesn’t lose so much from the piracy because of how much money they get from merchandise, and the exposure in America and other parts of the world only helps with that.

Most of the information I’m getting come from a combination of Wikipedia, americancensorship.org, and some random news articles. So feel free to check those for the information that I definitely missed. Honestly, I was a little hesitant about posting this because of possible misinterpretations on my end, but I’d really like to know everyone’s opinions.

Anime Review: UN-GO

Dec 29th, 2011
by marthaurion.
3 comments

UN-GO

So this was a show that I didn’t follow because of how late it started up, but I kept watching it by myself. I’m a huge fan of the detective genre, so this show instantly caught my attention.

Basically, the story follows Yuuki Shinjuurou, nicknamed the Defeated Detective. With his partner Inga, he solves crimes in an attempt to defeat the world-renowned Kaishou Rinroku, a famous detective who runs a major corporation in Japan.

The story introduces itself as a cut and dry detective series, with the first few episodes just being mystery after mystery. We find out that Inga has the ability to force people to answer one question truthfully, but other than that, nothing special happens.

I was very close to dropping this show outright, but decided to stick it out. Fortunately, I was rewarded, as the show quickly takes a turn for the amazing. Although some of the endings are a bit predictable, there are many scenes that just blew my mind.

Story: Score 7/10

The characters in this show were pretty impressive to me. Shinjuurou is introduced as a bit of a shunned character who struggles to gain a reputation as the show goes on. The greatest thing about his character in my mind is that above all else, he seeks the truth. He adamantly reveals the truth to all despite the consequences.

Along with him, we have Inga. Inga’s got an interesting vibe to him, quite eccentric. We learn a lot more about him as the show goes on, and it becomes quite interesting, and a tad disturbing. Although not introduced until much later, Kazamori is also an amazing character (and probably among my favorites).

Kaishou Rinroku plays the mysterious entity who seems to be everywhere and know everything. Along with him, we have his daughter, Rie, who supports Shinjuurou and acts as a sort of reflection of his humanity.

Characters: Score 9/10

The animation in this show is a bit different, but I didn’t really mind it at all. The character designs are pretty interesting, although some of them overdo it a bit much. The music in the show didn’t pop out at me, but the opening theme was fairly impressive and the ending theme was okay.

Animation: Score 8/10

Music: Score 7/10

Overall, I’d say that despite the rocky start, this show really did entertain me. I might be biased because of how much I love detective shows, but I really think this show did a good job of putting a plot behind the episodic style indicative of most detective series. The pacing of the show may have been a bit too quick, with only 11 episodes to cover it all. I think the ending was handled pretty well, and it even puts forth the possibility of a second season. All in all, I’d recommend this to anyone willing to put up with the slow start.

Final Score: 8/10

Life’s Great Mysteries: Protagonists

Dec 28th, 2011
by marthaurion.
20 comments

Well, it’s probably a bit obvious why I’m approaching this topic (cough Shu). Basically, the topic for today is what makes a good protagonist. I know that it’s impossible to approach this sort of subject objectively, so I will instead propose my opinions for a good protagonist and my opinions for a bad protagonist, then open the floor for everyone else to chime in.

What do I look for in a protagonist? Honestly, I prefer to watch someone who’s calm, brilliant, and incredibly confident. Lelouch Lamperouge, Light Yagami, and Akagi Shigeru are some examples of this. I’m not looking for a perfect character, as flaws are necessary for a protagonist.

Physical ability doesn’t mean so much to me because I believe that the most intense conflicts can happen in just a battle of the minds. Bluffs, predictions, tactics: all amazing things to watch unfold in a show. This doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a good sword fight or something, but I just really have a thing for the psychological style of things.

What’s a bad protagonist? Simple in my eye. Someone who’s a complete wimp is just painful to watch. Why would I want to spend all of my time watching someone run from battle or push some naive idealism forward to justify his actions?

Also, I dislike the idea of some random person suddenly being endowed with amazing power. This sort of scenario makes it seem so much like it doesn’t matter who gets the power. I like the idea of power being given to a protagonist that’s perfectly equipped to bring out the best of it. I feel like this creates the sense that the character must be designed correctly to fit the story.

Maybe a protagonist that melds into the background is good in that it draws attention away from himself to focus on other characters. I suppose there are some shows that feel like there are many protagonists that each contribute to create a powerful effect. I think for the purposes of this topic, we should ignore that aspect.

This brings to mind a separate question: What influences what we like in a main character? I’m sure there are those that disagree with me, and I want to approach the reasons for this. Unfortunately, these reasons are far too numerous for me.

Perhaps I like the characters I chose because I enjoy the larger than life persona that they present, as they represent some sort of ideal or model for the type of person I want to be. Perhaps I choose them as a simple reflection of my true personality.

Alternatively, I can understand the need for a protagonist who is down-to-earth and somewhat tangible, so to speak. Basically, someone who gives the feeling of “Hey, that sort of thing could happen to me.” However, I feel like that’s not what I look for in anime, but maybe in other media or games or something.

So what do you think? Why do we choose the characters we choose to be our favorites? A pretty face (*cough* like someone I know)? Reflections of ourselves? Who we wish to be? Do we want to admire the character or pity him? For me, this seems like a tough question to find what about a character I truly like. But maybe it’s simpler for others.

Phi Brain – Kami no Puzzle Episode 13

Dec 27th, 2011
by marthaurion.
No comments yet

So this week’s episode picks up from last week. As Kaito continues to tackle the Fool’s Puzzle, with Rook playing the part of helpless bystander, the rest of the title-bearers find out the truth about Phi Brain from Jikukawa.

When Rook’s life is endangered by the puzzle, Kaito activates the armband to solve the puzzle. When Kaito solves the puzzle, Rook finally reveals himself as a POG Giver.

So in a brief scene, we see that Rook envied the attention Kaito got from Jin, the third person from their memories together, as they were both solvers unlike Rook. As I said before, I wonder what caused Rook’s change of character from child to present.

Is this Jin character just the principal? Because they look pretty similar. If so, then I’d be a bit disappointed. I thought Kaito was supposed to be some brilliant puzzle solver. Anyways, more to come.

Persona 4 Episode 12

Dec 26th, 2011
by marthaurion.
8 comments

Much apologies for the late post. This week’s episode was a pretty good one in my opinion. Everyone reaches Kubo’s dungeon’s end to find a Shadow that is rejected as usual. However, this time things take a twist. We fast forward into the future, where everyone is meeting to discuss the closing of the case following Kubo’s arrest.

With the case closed, everyone starts to drift away from Yu, starting with a failed omelette rice cooking contest judged by Nanako. Yu starts to spiral without his friends, but it all turns out to be an illusion created by the Shadow. With everyone else holding off the Shadow’s defenses, Yu retaliates by unleashing every one of his Persona to destroy it.

With the Shadow destroyed, the gang interrogates Kubo, who admits to killing everyone for attention. He’s arrested back in the real world and everyone gets together similarly to the vision Yu was shown. However, this time things are different and everyone gets together to celebrate successfully.

But what’s going on? Only halfway through the series and the case is solved? What about that mystery final character in the main cast? As you may have guessed, there’s still more to the story. Next week it looks like Yu will just be forming bonds again, but the case should pick up again fairly quickly. I liked that this week’s episode brings to light Yu’s own doubts, rather than making him this mystery protagonist that’s doesn’t seem to have these huge personal problems like everyone else.

This episode also suggests that they may try to show all of the bad endings before reaching the true ending from the game. I’m hoping not because one of the bad endings is going to be hard to watch (it involves Nanako). Also, have I mentioned that Rie Kugimiya as Rise is way too cute yet? And finally, we get to see all of the Persona that Yu’s been stockpiling this whole time (why does he have two Mitami?).  Anyways, I don’t know if there’s an episode this week, but I sure hope so.

Winter Season Thoughts

Dec 25th, 2011
by marthaurion.
9 comments

With the fall season coming to a close, I believe it’s time to take a look at the winter season and gives some thoughts the same way that I did for the fall season before. So what do I think?

  • Kyousogiga: First thing I see is Kugimiya Rie…That actually hold a lot of weight for some reason. “Kuro Usagi” <— please don’t be like ItsuTen…I can’t go through that again.
  • Busou Chuugakusei Basketarmy: 3 minutes episodes…probably not gonna post about it, but will likely watch because of the minimal commitment needed.
  • Gundam Seed HD: WOOT! I haven’t decided whether to post about this. I’m not sure if they’re releasing the same episodes with better resolution or if they’re going to change the scenes a bit. Still, I know what’s going to happen in the show, so I don’t really see the point of making posts.
  • New Prince of Tennis: Will be watching, but whether or not I post about it depends on reader opinions.
  • Recorder to Randoseru: Random slice of life means probably no posts about it just because of how hard it is to comment about it.
  • High School DxD: I think this is the Maken-Ki of this season, which probably means I’ll pass.
  • Area no Kishi: Sports anime about football (soccer for my American visitors). Looks kinda interesting, so I’ll give it a shot (get it? I’m so funny).
  • Zero no Tsukaima F: YES!!
  • Daily Lives of High School Boys: Generic title aside, this is looking like Kimi to Boku.
  • Another: Looks very supernatural. I think it’ll be interesting. Will probably pick this one up.
  • Rinne no Lagrange: Ehh? What is this premise? Why am I intrigued?
  • Black Rock Shooter: Probably gonna post about this show. Moving on…
  • Kill Me Baby: Whaa?? I feel like I shouldn’t ask what this is.
  • Mouretsu Pirates: Pirates have never really been my thing, but I guess I could give it a try.
  • Inu x Boku SS: Uhh…looks interesting?
  • Papa no Iu Koto o Kikinasai!: Random comedy. Gonna watch, but not sure about posting.
  • Brave 10: This one actually looks very interesting. Probably gonna follow it.
  • Senhime Zesshou Symphogear: Looks like mecha? I like mecha >.>
  • Nisemonogatari: Do you even have to ask?
  • Ano Natsu de Matteru: Don’t foresee posts on this show yet, but that may change.

These shows aside, we also have the much anticipated K-ON! and .hack movies which will be coming out, and I will definitely have reviews for them. I might also poke fun at the Sacred Seven movie. And naturally, I will be continuing with fall shows like Persona 4 and Guilty Crown.

Question for you: What do you guys all think of the next season? What will you be watching? What will you be making fun of me for watching?

Fate/Zero Final Episode

Dec 24th, 2011
by marthaurion.
4 comments

This post will be fairly short because I’m in a bit of a rush. So I was hoping everything in the past few episodes was going to build up to some epic fight at the end of the first half, but I guess I was disappointed. In the end, this episode ends up to be mostly talking as well.

Ryuunosuke and Caster have a crazy-off and Rider talks with Waver who still has his inferiority complex. In the end, Caster summons his ultimate ability and Saber, Rider, and Lancer gather in a temporary truce to battle him.

So this sets up the next season with a big fight to start off, but it makes this season very disappointing. I guess I’m anticipating the next season more now, but I was hoping for at least some decent action to finish it off. Still, I enjoy this series and hope to cover it again when it starts up again. Probably won’t be a formal review until the second season finishes. Persona 4 will probably be on Monday because I’m going to be out.

Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai Final Episode

Dec 23rd, 2011
by marthaurion.
12 comments

So after the big recall from last week, we start to see a lot of scenes from the earlier episodes from Yozora’s point of view. Afterwards, Kodaka asks about Yozora’s haircut, which leads to a funny misunderstanding from the rest of the class.

Yozora reveals that she never saw Kodaka on their last day together in their childhood because she had put on a girl’s outfit to show him, but had gotten embarrassed (aww…..). Back at the club, everything goes back to a semblance of normal.

So they decided to make the ending “we used to be friends, but that doesn’t matter now.” While this gives the opportunity for a much-needed  second season, this ending bugs me. I mean, he could have at least started to call her Sora again…whatever. This has definitely been an enjoyable series and it has been my pleasure to follow it with everyone else. Formal review soon!

Guilty Crown Episode 11

Dec 22nd, 2011
by marthaurion.
7 comments

So after the big attack from last week, Keido blames the viral event on the Undertakers. In a bind, Shu calls his friends from school so that he can draw their Voids to fight. He shows them all his ability and asks for their help (Yahiro backs him up).

Meanwhile, with Haruka’s help, Inori sings Mana’s song (apparently, that’s the mystery girl’s name) and heals everyone’s viral symptoms. With everyone’s aid, Shu breaks into the facility to try and save Inori, but the strange antagonist from many episodes before appears to draw her Void. However, Gai takes the hit for Shu.

So Hare’s Void has a healing sort of function, so it further affirms my theory that she’s going to die. So I like how Shu acted like a leader for everyone in this episode, but I don’t really like how annoying he was about getting to that point.

Another nice thing is that Yahiro isn’t going insane about Jun’s death. I like that he’s accepted this and willing to help Shu. Story’s finally moving on and I hope it ends up being good despite the shaky start. I really hope Gai doesn’t end up dying, but it’s looking very likely right now.

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