8Sep/1013
WTF? Panty & Stocking Trailer Revealed
Posted by Ritsu
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present... the official trailer for Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt.
I'm not sure what I just watched, but I know it was AWESOME. After seeing this trailer, Sheentaku on Twitter described this show as "an adult version of The Powerpuff Girls," an assessment I agree with wholeheartedly. It appears that my earlier prediction was correct; Panty & Stocking is indeed a Gainax-style tribute to the great American cartoons of the 90s. The implications of this are clear. In my humble opinion, this is the must-watch show of the 2010 Fall anime season.
Notice the audio track may not be suitable for the work /open public environment.
8Sep/104
Bakacast Briefs – Metroid Rage
Posted by Ritsu
iTunes | Direct Download | RSS
The last Metroid in in captivity... but the fanboys are not at peace.
On this week's Bakacast, we delve into the world of video games and examine how the new Wii game Metroid: Other M completely destroys Samus Aran's character. Since both Dustin and I are pretty big Metroid fans, there's plenty of hilariously impotent fanboy rage thrown around. After that, we get around to our usual anime reviews, wherein we address whether or not protagonists such as HotD's Takashi should have sex. Finally, we answer some decidedly serious Twitter questions as best we can.
- Highschool of the Dead #9
- Occult Academy #9
- K-ON!! 22 (We didn't review this because Jeagle was absent. Hopefully we'll get to it next week.)
A list of our Bakacast Affiliates can be found here. Be sure to check out their blogs!
Opening music is "Menu Theme" from Metroid Prime. Ending music is "Samus' Lonely Waltz" by blackguitar.
6Sep/1024
Which Hairstyle is Sexiest?
Posted by Ritsu
In episode 21 of K-ON!, the girls try out a variety of different hairstyles in preparation for their class photos. One commenter, Don Kangol Jones, mentioned that he thought this was a subtle commentary on how a character's design and, by extension, personality is defined by their hairstyle. This got me thinking about past anime and manga where characters have changed their hair. One example that stuck in my mind was the final volume of A.I. Love You, where Cynthia trimmed her long locks into a bob cut that, frankly, didn't suit her at all. Although her personality technically stayed the same, she just seemed like an entirely different person based on appearance alone. I think Don hit the nail on the head; hairstyle is the most important aspect of any anime character's design.
So, what kind of anime hairstyle do you like best? And what type of personality do you think that hairstyle suits? Do the twintails make the tsundere, and do all tomboys sport short haircuts? Should an elegant bushido girl wear a ponytail, or let her flowing tresses fly free? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts. Vote in the poll below, and leave your opinion in the comment section!
Loading ...29Aug/1015
Manga Caption Contest: Kyon Punches Haruhi
Posted by Ritsu
There were so many good entries last week that it was hard to pick a winner. In the end, I decided to cop out and call a tie between Starlogic and Milktea, who both wrote hilarious captions. Congratulations!
This weeks manga page comes from an infamous Haruhi doujin, in which Haruhi FINALLY gets what's coming for her years of antisocial behavior. But what are the events leading up to Kyon's knockout punch? That's for you to decide, dear readers! Using the numbers provided in the manga excerpt above, write your own funny, perverted or just plain silly dialogue to fit the scene, and post it in the comments below. Naturally, please keep it PG-13 and Safe For Work. The winner will be announced one week from today, just like last time. Good luck!
27Aug/104
Bakacast Briefs – Revenge of the Bookworms
Posted by Ritsu
iTunes | Direct Download | RSS
We've got a new co-host this week! We call him Glen, but you might better know him as Nagato, a long-lost friend and one of the original founding members of Project Haruhi. With him by our side, we start off by discussing Oxford's hilarious and misdirected attempts to understand anime culture. After that, Chris gets all nostalgic about his very first manga, Love Hina. Finally, we move on to this week's anime reviews.
- Highschool of the Dead #7
- Occult Academy #7
- K-ON!! #20
WARNING! If you are the kind of fan who blindly worships any anime he enjoys, you might want to go elsewhere. We don't hesitate to criticize these shows in the snarkiest fashion possible, which means a certain degree of intelligent and critical thought is required to fully appreciate our reviews. If you're going to accuse us of being haters or trolls merely because we didn't like one of your favorite shows, just don't bother. I'm sure a site like Sankaku Complex or 4chan would be more amicable to your tastes.
[Music used in this episode is "Let's Go to Tokyo" by J. Arthur Keenes.]
21Aug/1014
Manga Caption Contest: Schoolgirl Shenanigans
Posted by Ritsu
Since quite a few of our posts have revolved around SERIOUS BUSINESS lately, I think it's high time for something lighthearted and fun. Therefore, I'm announcing our first ever manga caption contest! The concept is pretty simple; using the numbers provided in the manga excerpt above, write your own funny, perverted or just plain silly dialogue to fit the scene, and post it in the comments below. Naturally, please keep it PG-13 and Safe For Work. Since there's no real prize (other than our everlasting respect and gratitude), anybody can enter as many times as they like. The winning entry will be posted one week from today.
If this contest goes well, I might make it a weekly feature. Feedback is welcome, as always. SO ARE YOU HAVING FUN YET, PUNKS?
20Aug/1012
“Hikikomori” Added To Oxford Dictionary of English
Posted by Ritsu
I'm nice and safe all alone in my room...
Oh boy, the new Oxford Dictionary of English is out! You know what that means... it's time for bloggers like me to pad out their slow news days by overanalyzing any new pop culture terms Oxford added. Let's see, this edition's new words include staycation, vuvuzela, bromance, hikikomori...
Wait, hikikomori? Seriously?
hikikomori (hi·ki·ko·mo·ri)
Pronunciation: /hiˌkēkəˈmôri/
noun (plural same)
(in Japan) the abnormal avoidance of social contact, typically by adolescent males
a person who avoids social contactOrigin: Japanese, literally 'staying indoors, (social) withdrawal'
Wow. I guess the hikki phenomenon is so famous that even Oxford had to take notice. Their definition is surprisingly accurate too. Color me impressed, Oxford. And here I thought your dictionary was woefully ignorant of pop culture trends. I wonder what they have to say about other anime-related terms...
Find out more after the break!
17Aug/1010
What the Hell is Panty & Stocking?
Posted by Ritsu
Who are riot girls?
Gainax is a Japanese animation studio that's long been famous for pushing the envelope. Ever since their first Daicon productions, they've been going beyond the impossible and creating anime that challenge viewers and defy genre conventions. Of course, not everything they make is a hit, and they've had their fair share of unexceptional (but still well-made) series like Hanamaru Kindergarten or He is My Master. Regardless, anything they produce is worth at least a quick look for any self-respecting otaku.
That said... what the hell is up with their new fall season show, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt?
Here's the basic premise, as far as I can tell. Panty and Stocking are two angels sent from "the upper region" to fight ghosts on Earth. They take up residence in Daten City (along with their dog Zipper, who bears a striking resemblance to GIR), where Panty spends most of her time sleeping with men, and Stocking does... uh, goth loli things. When threats appear, these girls transform their clothing into weaponry: Panty's panties turn into a gun, and Stocking's stockings into a sword.
Despite knowing the basic plot, Panty & Stocking is still a complete mystery to me. The art style looks like an homage to every great American cartoon of the past fifteen years; an ecletic mix of Dexter's Laboratory, Powerpuff Girls and Invader Zim. So is this a kid's show? No, the advertising material we've seen thus far seems to indicate an odd mix of mature and juvenile themes. Superpowered girls fighting giant monsters with weapons made out of their lingerie? Who exactly is this show trying to appeal to?
If anybody can make such a ludicrous concept work, it's Gainax. One thing is certain... nobody knows quite what to expect from this show. However, given the creative talent behind it, I'm hoping for something awesome.
Check out the gallery of Panty & Stocking images below the break, and leave your own theories in the comment section!
16Aug/1014
Which Fall 2010 Anime Will You Be Watching?
Posted by Ritsu
Onee-sama...
With the summer season halfway finished, it's time to start drooling over the new fall season anime. Since Chartfag has not yet released his usual new anime chart, a couple of other bloggers have stepped in to fill the void. This chart from The Cart Driver seems to be the most accurate thus far. Click on the thumbnail followed by the little green arrow at the bottom of the lightbox to see it at full size. Bootleg PVs for some of these anime can be watched here.
Here are the anime I'm planning to watch and why.
- Star Driver: I've been thirsting for a new giant robot show for a while, and this one looks pretty promising.
- My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute!: I've heard good things about this light novel series from moe fans. It looks kinda generic, but hopefully will be entertaining enough to fill the void left by K-ON!!.
- Iron Man: Dude, it's friggin IRON MAN animated by MADHOUSE. Everybody is going to be watching this, myself included.
- A Certain Scientific Railgun OVA: I'm a huge fan of Railgun, and there's no way I'm going to pass up a chance to see mai waifu Mikoto again. Bring it on!
- A Certain Magical Index II: See above.
- Hyakka Ryoran Samurai Girls: This seems like brainless fanservice action fare, but I'll give it a shot anyway. Sometimes you find a good show hiding among the muck.
- Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt: This surreal show looks like a mix of Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack. Can Gainax deliver another instant classic, or will it flop like Hanamaru Kindergarten?
The rest of these shows simply don't interest me. If any of them get good reviews, I'll consider picking it up... but just going by their descriptions alone, I doubt they'll be worth watching.
How about you? Do any of these shows strike your fancy, or are you gritting your teeth for yet another mediocre season?
15Aug/102
Review: Occult Academy 5 & 6
Posted by Ritsu
Just another ordinary day at Occult Academy.
As those of you who have been listening to the podcast know, my opinion of the recent Occult Academy episodes has been rather low. Episode 3 was just plain boring, and episode 4 completely derailed Fumiaki's character, turning him into cowardly comic relief. Now, these two episodes weren't BAD per se, but they also weren't anywhere near as good as the first two. Seeing such a promising show fall from grace was painful, and I was starting to worry that Occult Academy would completely squander its potential just like So Ra No Wo To. Boy, am I glad to be wrong.
Episodes 5 and 6 were a complete turnaround. Thanks in large part to the strong writing, these episodes picked up the pace, un-derailed Fumiaki's character, and rekindled my interest in the show. They even nailed the comedy, which was both hilarious and perfectly blended with the more serious aspects of the story. And, best of all, Mikaze got almost no screentime! Will wonders never cease?
Find out more after the break.
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Recent Posts
- WTF? Panty & Stocking Trailer Revealed
- Bakacast Briefs – Metroid Rage
- Manga Caption Contest: The Super Aryan
- Which Hairstyle is Sexiest?
- Series Review: Working!!
- Music Review: “Golden Day” from Working!!
- Review: Highschool of the Dead 9
- Review: K-ON!! 21
- Bakacast Briefs – Chupacabra Attack!
- Manga Caption Contest: Kyon Punches Haruhi
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