I went off Brad's suggestion and got the Naked Chicken Chilupa today. I've never had a regular chilupa before, and I was hesitant to try this, but it was indeed very good. I won't miss it when they stop making it, but I would eat it again. I'm also disappointed that they didn't have the Crunchwrap Sliders again this year.
In AppliMon, we find out that Haru's grandfather was erased the same as Hajime and it's his annoying voice in the AppliDrive. Leviathan is a mutation of an A.I. that he created. I saw the series finale of Regular Show. I liked Pops, so I was a little sad that he sacrificed himself so that the universe wouldn't be rebooted. Reminds me of what Ryou tried to do in season one. At least everyone survived Dark Side of Dimensions. I still think Kaiba has better things to do though.
We finally got backstory on Ren and Nora (from Ren's perspective). Child Ren is so cute!! Speaking of backstory, Adventure Time's "Islands!" was almost as good as "Stakes!" We find out where Finn and Susan came from. Susan prefers to be Susan, but she was pretty cool as Kara before her teacher took control of her mind.
Tales of Zestiria's dub started airing already. This season is doing its own thing and going off the rails (a.k.a. making shit up). It's currently focusing on fleshing out Rose's backstory, like how she was almost married to a prince until he betrayed the Windriders and killed her foster father. Also, the matter of the fake elixir has come up in regards to that prince, so maybe LittleKuriboh's character won't make an appearance after all.
Keyleth's character growth still doesn't seem worth it, and more people died again. She's the literal worst.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Next!
I'm working on a top 10 (or maybe even top 20 - I haven't decided yet) list for Codename: Kids Next Door. I'm also making top 10 best and worst lists for Teen Titans Go!, but the problem is I hate the worst episodes more than I like the best ones. Combing through them is agony.
Power Rangers Ninja Steel has begun, and I'm all right with it so far. The only real complaint I have is that two of the Ranger characters were featured in the background, but I'm sure we'll get their side of things next time or something. You wouldn't know that they were Rangers except for the intro. The actor playing Blue Ranger Preston is the younger brother of the actor who played Koda in Dino Charge, so that's pretty cool. We also have a recurring actor returning; the guy who played Boom from SPD is back as a shapeshifter named Mick, who goes missing by the end of the episode. But he's in the intro too, so he'll be back. As for Brody's brother Aiden, I'm calling it now: he's either going to be the sixth Ranger or get the Matt treatment. That's if he's still alive. He could also be evil, too. Sarah built a hoverboard that doesn't burst into flames, but she may be a little obsessed with trains (not in a nerdy way, though). The show run by the villains is called Galaxy Warriors, which is also the name of a line of He-Man: Masters of the Universe knockoff toys that Phelous reviews.
Chapter 65 of the KH II manga was posted. Saix pretty much usurped Luxord's battle, and Luxord was defeated by Jiminy instead. Otherwise it followed the game really well. Now if only the official release of the light novels would happen so I can support it! Last night, I had a brief Kingdom Hearts dream. Xehanort and Even were missing, and there was a nexus open in the lab. Ienzo already had a black eye for some reason, which wasn't covered up because his hair was shorter when he was a kid. He and the others walked into the room to investigate, and he accidentally got smacked in the legs by the flat side Aeleus' axe when he stopped short and turned around in front of him. Ansem asked Aeleus and Ienzo to stay behind while Dilan and Braig went into the nexus with him. Braig tried to make a joke, but Dilan said this wasn't the time or the place. I have no idea what Xehanort and/or Even were doing and no speculation about how Ienzo got a black eye; he certainly wasn't having very good luck. Even is distracted at best and neglectful at worst; he didn't really get abusive until he became a Nobody.
Power Rangers Ninja Steel has begun, and I'm all right with it so far. The only real complaint I have is that two of the Ranger characters were featured in the background, but I'm sure we'll get their side of things next time or something. You wouldn't know that they were Rangers except for the intro. The actor playing Blue Ranger Preston is the younger brother of the actor who played Koda in Dino Charge, so that's pretty cool. We also have a recurring actor returning; the guy who played Boom from SPD is back as a shapeshifter named Mick, who goes missing by the end of the episode. But he's in the intro too, so he'll be back. As for Brody's brother Aiden, I'm calling it now: he's either going to be the sixth Ranger or get the Matt treatment. That's if he's still alive. He could also be evil, too. Sarah built a hoverboard that doesn't burst into flames, but she may be a little obsessed with trains (not in a nerdy way, though). The show run by the villains is called Galaxy Warriors, which is also the name of a line of He-Man: Masters of the Universe knockoff toys that Phelous reviews.
Chapter 65 of the KH II manga was posted. Saix pretty much usurped Luxord's battle, and Luxord was defeated by Jiminy instead. Otherwise it followed the game really well. Now if only the official release of the light novels would happen so I can support it! Last night, I had a brief Kingdom Hearts dream. Xehanort and Even were missing, and there was a nexus open in the lab. Ienzo already had a black eye for some reason, which wasn't covered up because his hair was shorter when he was a kid. He and the others walked into the room to investigate, and he accidentally got smacked in the legs by the flat side Aeleus' axe when he stopped short and turned around in front of him. Ansem asked Aeleus and Ienzo to stay behind while Dilan and Braig went into the nexus with him. Braig tried to make a joke, but Dilan said this wasn't the time or the place. I have no idea what Xehanort and/or Even were doing and no speculation about how Ienzo got a black eye; he certainly wasn't having very good luck. Even is distracted at best and neglectful at worst; he didn't really get abusive until he became a Nobody.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Not Far from the Tree
Because I felt more backstory was necessary. We'll see what we get with 2.8 and then settle in for another year of nothing, people.
Ienzo was helping Even work to reverse the damage they'd done to their world. Even caught him spacing out and decided to ask him what was wrong. "Something on your mind?"
"Uh, sort of," Ienzo replied, startled. "Actually, I was thinking about my mom and dad." Even didn't react, waiting for Ienzo to explain further. "I don't know what they would think of all this, or even what they would've said before we did what we did. There are so many questions I'll never get to ask them, If they were still here, I could've asked them about how they met and other things. It never occurred to me before because I never thought I would lose them."
They were both silent for a moment before Even responded, "I knew your parents at university. I could tell you a little about that, if you would like."
Ienzo stared at him, eyes wide. "Okay."
Even launched into his story. "I met your father during a lecture on particle physics. We were required to attend the most basic lessons in all branches of science before choosing which one we would pursue. Some of us, of course, decided to choose two." He was referring to his degrees in bio-engineering and psychology. "But I digress. I mostly kept to myself, but your father insisted on being friends with me." He sounded annoyed, but there was a sadness in his eyes. "Rather than leave me to study in peace, he kept dragging me to the university library to study among the other students. Your mother, as you may know, worked in the library part-time while studying to be a librarian. As soon as he saw her, your father went over to her to ask for help finding a book. He hadn't needed the help, as I pointed out to him, but he told me that he'd simply wanted to interact with her. While I had no interest in such matters, he asked me for my opinion. I told him to tell her his true intentions or return to his studies. He was far too shy for that at the time, so he returned to his studies for the time being. I thought that might be the end of it, but I was wrong.
"On another library visit, your father attempted to help your mother move a large stack of books. I suppose he was trying to impress her by carrying as many as he could, but he ended up dropping them all. Everyone nearby looked up momentarily as he apologized and picked them back up. Mind you, your father wasn't that strong, but he had quick reflexes - at least when he wasn't standing next to her. I continued watching, thinking that he'd soon retreat back to our table and ask for moral support, but again I was wrong. He was embarrassed, of course, but your mother didn't mind. Her kindness gave him the courage to tell her what was in his heart. I didn't expect to see him that much after that, but surprisingly, they often invited me along with them as a third wheel."
"It's called being a wingman," Braig interrupted, suddenly appearing as he was wont to do.
"Will you -!" Even exclaimed somewhat angrily, unable to finish his thought.
"What? I'm glad James was looking out for you. You would've led a boring existence on your own." Braig took the hint and left, having said his piece.
"He didn't say why he came in here," Ienzo remarked.
"Just to be a nuisance, that's all," Even grumbled.
"So...was there anything else about my parents?"
"Oh, yes, well, your mother was a fine woman. I didn't approve of all the magic-using, but she was a match for your father. I couldn't begin to tell you about their feelings, if that's what you wanted to know."
What did I want to know? "Did Dad ever discuss with you when he was going to propose to Mom? How did he know she was the one?"
Even crossed his arms thoughtfully. "Well, he did tell me that being alongside her was freeing, in a sense. I didn't quite know what he meant by that, but..." He studied Ienzo for a moment. "You're so much like him. No, you are very much both of them."
Ienzo had heard this before, but it never made him feel any less pleased. "What happened after that?"
"You were born, obviously," Even quipped; the joke didn't land. "Oh, you meant graduation. They found employment and had you, and I kept studying and became an apprentice. We remained in contact, but we each led busy lives..."
"Even was the one who recommended them to me," Ansem added, having entered the room silently.
"Lord Ansem!" Even exclaimed self-consciously.
"Oh? Was that not the topic of discussion?" Ansem asked innocently. "I sent Braig to tell you to come see me, but when he returned, he said you were telling Ienzo stories about yourself and his parents."
"He never said you wanted to see us," Ienzo spoke up.
Ansem smiled. "He probably didn't want to interrupt."
"Interrupting is all he does," Even complained.
"What do you need, Master?" Ienzo queried.
Ansem shook his head. "Status report, that's all. However, this seems far more enjoyable."
"I had something on my mind. Sorry," Ienzo apologized.
"No need to be sorry, as long as you can focus now."
"I think so." Ienzo looked at Even. "Would it be all right if we talked more later?"
Even shrugged. "Whatever you need."
Braig reappeared. "Speaking of interesting stories, did I ever tell you about my days in the academy with Dilan and Aeleus?"
"I don't think so," Ienzo replied neutrally. On the one hand, he was curious about how the other three had met; on the other hand, it would involve listening to Braig talk incessantly for longer than he would like. Maybe I'll ask Aeleus instead.
"I'm sure he's only interested in hearing about his parents," Even interjected; he wasn't wrong.
"Oh, excuse me," Braig countered sarcastically. "I thought this was Story Time with Even."
"I'm glad to see you're all getting along," Ansem mused sincerely.
***
Ienzo approached Aeleus during his down time. "Aeleus, can I ask you about something?"
"What is it?" Aeleus asked curiously.
"Braig mentioned that you and he and Dilan went to the academy together."
"He was a year or two ahead of us, but yes," Aeleus replied. "Why?"
Ienzo looked away shyly but reminded himself to speak clearly like an adult. I can't hang off of him like a kid anymore. "Well, I wanted to know if you had interesting stories from back then. You're really the only one I can rely on to be honest."
Aeleus smirked. "Those two would hotly contest every detail. What do you want to know?"
"Do you still train the same way?"
"It was a lot more intense back then. We were trying to prove ourselves. Those who couldn't rely on strength alone became expert marksmen, like Braig. Dilan was best suited to finesse and strategy. The three of us became a unit because of the skills we possessed."
"What did you do when you weren't training?"
"The same as we do now, except we used to go to the tavern more often. The mess hall left something to be desired."
Ienzo was willingly captivated. "Did anything happen there?"
"Ha. What didn't happen? Many people passed in and out of there every day. Sometimes there were fights. Because we were cadets, we were involved in quite a few of them either in self-defense or the defense of others."
"Did you get into any trouble as a result?"
"A little, but nothing that marred our records. We were considered upstanding citizens for the most part."
"Was the remaining part Braig?" Ienzo asked sardonically.
"You say that, but Braig took the blame even when something wasn't his fault. He looked out for us as our senior. If one of us got too rowdy or had a few too many, he would take responsibility for the outcome."
Ienzo was quite surprised. "Wow...To be honest, I can't really imagine any of you causing a scene in public, not even him."
"You haven't been privy to that life. I wouldn't expect you to understand."
Ienzo steered the conversation to the point he had eventually wanted to address. "Even said my parents went to university with him. I suppose that means my dad didn't also spend any time at the academy, right?"
"No, he was self-taught. For him, fighting was a last resort, but we gave him a few pointers when he was here."
"How was he?"
"Not very strong, but I've yet to see anyone with quicker reflexes than him."
"So I've heard. How was he with Mom?"
Aeleus looked confused. "I don't know what you mean."
"Well, when I asked Even about him, he said he wasn't very skilled around her."
"Is that so?" Aeleus seemed almost amused. "I would imagine he'd know best since he spent the most time with them."
"Is a temporary loss of skill a side effect of falling in love?"
"I couldn't tell you. I would suggest you ask Dilan, but it's a sore subject with him."
"I don't think I'm that curious. Thanks, Aeleus."
Ienzo was helping Even work to reverse the damage they'd done to their world. Even caught him spacing out and decided to ask him what was wrong. "Something on your mind?"
"Uh, sort of," Ienzo replied, startled. "Actually, I was thinking about my mom and dad." Even didn't react, waiting for Ienzo to explain further. "I don't know what they would think of all this, or even what they would've said before we did what we did. There are so many questions I'll never get to ask them, If they were still here, I could've asked them about how they met and other things. It never occurred to me before because I never thought I would lose them."
They were both silent for a moment before Even responded, "I knew your parents at university. I could tell you a little about that, if you would like."
Ienzo stared at him, eyes wide. "Okay."
Even launched into his story. "I met your father during a lecture on particle physics. We were required to attend the most basic lessons in all branches of science before choosing which one we would pursue. Some of us, of course, decided to choose two." He was referring to his degrees in bio-engineering and psychology. "But I digress. I mostly kept to myself, but your father insisted on being friends with me." He sounded annoyed, but there was a sadness in his eyes. "Rather than leave me to study in peace, he kept dragging me to the university library to study among the other students. Your mother, as you may know, worked in the library part-time while studying to be a librarian. As soon as he saw her, your father went over to her to ask for help finding a book. He hadn't needed the help, as I pointed out to him, but he told me that he'd simply wanted to interact with her. While I had no interest in such matters, he asked me for my opinion. I told him to tell her his true intentions or return to his studies. He was far too shy for that at the time, so he returned to his studies for the time being. I thought that might be the end of it, but I was wrong.
"On another library visit, your father attempted to help your mother move a large stack of books. I suppose he was trying to impress her by carrying as many as he could, but he ended up dropping them all. Everyone nearby looked up momentarily as he apologized and picked them back up. Mind you, your father wasn't that strong, but he had quick reflexes - at least when he wasn't standing next to her. I continued watching, thinking that he'd soon retreat back to our table and ask for moral support, but again I was wrong. He was embarrassed, of course, but your mother didn't mind. Her kindness gave him the courage to tell her what was in his heart. I didn't expect to see him that much after that, but surprisingly, they often invited me along with them as a third wheel."
"It's called being a wingman," Braig interrupted, suddenly appearing as he was wont to do.
"Will you -!" Even exclaimed somewhat angrily, unable to finish his thought.
"What? I'm glad James was looking out for you. You would've led a boring existence on your own." Braig took the hint and left, having said his piece.
"He didn't say why he came in here," Ienzo remarked.
"Just to be a nuisance, that's all," Even grumbled.
"So...was there anything else about my parents?"
"Oh, yes, well, your mother was a fine woman. I didn't approve of all the magic-using, but she was a match for your father. I couldn't begin to tell you about their feelings, if that's what you wanted to know."
What did I want to know? "Did Dad ever discuss with you when he was going to propose to Mom? How did he know she was the one?"
Even crossed his arms thoughtfully. "Well, he did tell me that being alongside her was freeing, in a sense. I didn't quite know what he meant by that, but..." He studied Ienzo for a moment. "You're so much like him. No, you are very much both of them."
Ienzo had heard this before, but it never made him feel any less pleased. "What happened after that?"
"You were born, obviously," Even quipped; the joke didn't land. "Oh, you meant graduation. They found employment and had you, and I kept studying and became an apprentice. We remained in contact, but we each led busy lives..."
"Even was the one who recommended them to me," Ansem added, having entered the room silently.
"Lord Ansem!" Even exclaimed self-consciously.
"Oh? Was that not the topic of discussion?" Ansem asked innocently. "I sent Braig to tell you to come see me, but when he returned, he said you were telling Ienzo stories about yourself and his parents."
"He never said you wanted to see us," Ienzo spoke up.
Ansem smiled. "He probably didn't want to interrupt."
"Interrupting is all he does," Even complained.
"What do you need, Master?" Ienzo queried.
Ansem shook his head. "Status report, that's all. However, this seems far more enjoyable."
"I had something on my mind. Sorry," Ienzo apologized.
"No need to be sorry, as long as you can focus now."
"I think so." Ienzo looked at Even. "Would it be all right if we talked more later?"
Even shrugged. "Whatever you need."
Braig reappeared. "Speaking of interesting stories, did I ever tell you about my days in the academy with Dilan and Aeleus?"
"I don't think so," Ienzo replied neutrally. On the one hand, he was curious about how the other three had met; on the other hand, it would involve listening to Braig talk incessantly for longer than he would like. Maybe I'll ask Aeleus instead.
"I'm sure he's only interested in hearing about his parents," Even interjected; he wasn't wrong.
"Oh, excuse me," Braig countered sarcastically. "I thought this was Story Time with Even."
"I'm glad to see you're all getting along," Ansem mused sincerely.
***
Ienzo approached Aeleus during his down time. "Aeleus, can I ask you about something?"
"What is it?" Aeleus asked curiously.
"Braig mentioned that you and he and Dilan went to the academy together."
"He was a year or two ahead of us, but yes," Aeleus replied. "Why?"
Ienzo looked away shyly but reminded himself to speak clearly like an adult. I can't hang off of him like a kid anymore. "Well, I wanted to know if you had interesting stories from back then. You're really the only one I can rely on to be honest."
Aeleus smirked. "Those two would hotly contest every detail. What do you want to know?"
"Do you still train the same way?"
"It was a lot more intense back then. We were trying to prove ourselves. Those who couldn't rely on strength alone became expert marksmen, like Braig. Dilan was best suited to finesse and strategy. The three of us became a unit because of the skills we possessed."
"What did you do when you weren't training?"
"The same as we do now, except we used to go to the tavern more often. The mess hall left something to be desired."
Ienzo was willingly captivated. "Did anything happen there?"
"Ha. What didn't happen? Many people passed in and out of there every day. Sometimes there were fights. Because we were cadets, we were involved in quite a few of them either in self-defense or the defense of others."
"Did you get into any trouble as a result?"
"A little, but nothing that marred our records. We were considered upstanding citizens for the most part."
"Was the remaining part Braig?" Ienzo asked sardonically.
"You say that, but Braig took the blame even when something wasn't his fault. He looked out for us as our senior. If one of us got too rowdy or had a few too many, he would take responsibility for the outcome."
Ienzo was quite surprised. "Wow...To be honest, I can't really imagine any of you causing a scene in public, not even him."
"You haven't been privy to that life. I wouldn't expect you to understand."
Ienzo steered the conversation to the point he had eventually wanted to address. "Even said my parents went to university with him. I suppose that means my dad didn't also spend any time at the academy, right?"
"No, he was self-taught. For him, fighting was a last resort, but we gave him a few pointers when he was here."
"How was he?"
"Not very strong, but I've yet to see anyone with quicker reflexes than him."
"So I've heard. How was he with Mom?"
Aeleus looked confused. "I don't know what you mean."
"Well, when I asked Even about him, he said he wasn't very skilled around her."
"Is that so?" Aeleus seemed almost amused. "I would imagine he'd know best since he spent the most time with them."
"Is a temporary loss of skill a side effect of falling in love?"
"I couldn't tell you. I would suggest you ask Dilan, but it's a sore subject with him."
"I don't think I'm that curious. Thanks, Aeleus."
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Adventure!
Prior mistake corrections I wanted to get out of the way - I think I spelled Madalena's name wrong, and I meant to say Multiverse not Universe. Okay? Okay!
Thrilling Intent continues to be awesome, thwarting the kidnapping once Ashe let them (and Harlock) know who they were dealing with and what level of dead she wanted them in retaliation (with it being decided they would "adventure their heads from their shoulders"). Firi's "Good" badge serves multiple purposes as they play Good Cop/Bad Cop (and in Markus' case, old/half-dead cop). Critical Role, however, not so good. Keyleth nearly getting everyone killed just so she could have a character growth moment just wasn't worth it. An anime-style cutting-your-hair-to-establish-change scene was not deserved. Kerrek is just an enabler; I didn't think so at first, and Patrick Rothfuss is great, but that's what it felt like when he showed up after the fight. The three things that most Critters complain about, according to Sam, are Matt's rules being incorrect, Ashley not being there, and Keyleth being the worst.
Linkara was the most recent one to mention Next Mutation in a Ninja Turtles review. I wasn't surprised since he and Calluna mentioned it in one of the Omicron videos. I couldn't even get mad because he didn't say anything insulting; he was just sarcastic about its/her existence. Maybe it's because he's a feminist or he knows the reference has been done to death.
I guess I'm still doing this, so here are some Kureno pics for Year of the Rooster (or in his case, Sparrow).
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/ShadowGalactica/Kureno_zpsrzvegjf0.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/ShadowGalactica/Kureno2_zpsqkzbg7aa.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/ShadowGalactica/sparrow_zpsnc3gce4o.jpg
Thrilling Intent continues to be awesome, thwarting the kidnapping once Ashe let them (and Harlock) know who they were dealing with and what level of dead she wanted them in retaliation (with it being decided they would "adventure their heads from their shoulders"). Firi's "Good" badge serves multiple purposes as they play Good Cop/Bad Cop (and in Markus' case, old/half-dead cop). Critical Role, however, not so good. Keyleth nearly getting everyone killed just so she could have a character growth moment just wasn't worth it. An anime-style cutting-your-hair-to-establish-change scene was not deserved. Kerrek is just an enabler; I didn't think so at first, and Patrick Rothfuss is great, but that's what it felt like when he showed up after the fight. The three things that most Critters complain about, according to Sam, are Matt's rules being incorrect, Ashley not being there, and Keyleth being the worst.
Linkara was the most recent one to mention Next Mutation in a Ninja Turtles review. I wasn't surprised since he and Calluna mentioned it in one of the Omicron videos. I couldn't even get mad because he didn't say anything insulting; he was just sarcastic about its/her existence. Maybe it's because he's a feminist or he knows the reference has been done to death.
I guess I'm still doing this, so here are some Kureno pics for Year of the Rooster (or in his case, Sparrow).
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/ShadowGalactica/Kureno_zpsrzvegjf0.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/ShadowGalactica/Kureno2_zpsqkzbg7aa.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/ShadowGalactica/sparrow_zpsnc3gce4o.jpg
Friday, January 13, 2017
Dark Side of Dimensions Rant re: New Info
What is it with these new anniversary installments that get the original wrong in the most infuriating of ways? First Tri obliterates Zero Two except when convenient to the plot. Then we're getting this "official" Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie which I fail to recognize. Now I've come to find out that Ryou's backstory in Dark Side of Dimensions is complete bullshit because hey our villains need motivation so let's make the guy a punching bag and a scapegoat. And you can't even say this movie follows the manga because there are some pretty big differences between what we know of his backstory and what's going to be presented here. I read the Yu-Gi-Oh! Wiki entries on Ryou and his dad. Nothing was written about DSoD yet in Ryou's, but his dad is another story. We see a screencap of him in the anime, from which we understand that he went to Egypt and acquired the Millennium Ring and somehow knew it was destined for his son. I thought the movie would build on that. I was so wrong. In DSoD, the man looks nothing like he did the anime, and [Spoilers Ahead] he took a four-year-old Ryou with him to Egypt while he did business with Shadi. Shadi said he's not worthy of the Ring but his son is. So they gave it to Ryou, and Yami Bakura killed everyone in the room except the main antagonists of the movie. In the manga, Ryou's dad not only works at the Domino Museum but owns it, and he ain't owning shit if he's dead. Ryou's mom and sister aren't mentioned in the movie, so we can either assume they exist instead of his father or Ryou is completely alone. While there are other plot points in the movie where the antagonist duels Kaiba and Yugi on separate occasions, he and his sister (Sera, so that's going to be fun to listen to in this context since it seems like it would be pronounced like my name) are out for revenge on Ryou for those events.
I'll take back what I said about Ted Lewis' somewhat stilted performance (which I based on the post-graduation plans scene) since this information is not going to help him with his characterization at all. What bothers me about that is how vanilla Ryou is and the emphasis on the Britishness the dub has ascribed to him, which normally didn't bother me until this movie (or at least that scene). Those complaints pale in comparison to the atrocities committed by this flashback that serves no good to anyone. If anything, it reinforces how much Ryou is holding back and that his chipper attitude is just masking what has to be immense pain from all the crap he has to deal with (what he's not oblivious to, anyway). Most people who see the movie probably won't care (unless they're Ryou fans), but even they would have to notice that something doesn't add up. I still don't know if he comes out of this okay. I dread that they didn't have him say anything about his post-graduation plans because he might not make it, although when that happens it's usually telegraphed instead of left out entirely (which is in keeping with this series - Tea left him out of a friendship speech in season one for no reason other than he had a bigger role in the manga than the anime).
One last point I want to make about "it follows the manga, not the anime" that doesn't add up is Kaiba's attitude toward the end of the series. They said he wasn't present for the battle between Yugi and Atem in the manga, but I've seen a panel from the end of the manga with him and Mokuba in the desert as everyone is leaving. I haven't read the issue so I don't know the context, but he seemed to be at least around. He certainly could have challenged Yugi himself whether or not he'd been present for the duel. So am I still looking forward to this even after pointing out its logical and adaptational flaws? Yes, but I don't expect to get as much enjoyment out of it as I'd hoped. I don't like seeing terrible things happen to my favorite character over and over again, especially now that the reasons are now even more contrived and nonsensical.
Even though Tri bothers me, I will continue watching it because the worst thing that happened to Gatomon post-memory wipe so far is that Tokomon stole the whistle Kari gave her (and the fridge horror that she also forgot Wizardmon). It doesn't bother me that Edie Mirman got replaced as her voice actress since I don't intend on seeing the dub (though it's great that they could get most of the actors back, including Joshua Seth). If she was still voicing her I'd consider it, but otherwise I only want to be privy to this insanity once. I want to see the Yu-Gi-Oh! dub, if only because I won't get to see it in Japanese, though it's sad that Grandpa Muto has to be voiced by someone else since Maddie Blaustein died years ago. I've missed the rest of them and I'm glad they're back, even if Ryou was adapted as slightly more of a British stereotype than usual. I just wish he was treated better.
I'll take back what I said about Ted Lewis' somewhat stilted performance (which I based on the post-graduation plans scene) since this information is not going to help him with his characterization at all. What bothers me about that is how vanilla Ryou is and the emphasis on the Britishness the dub has ascribed to him, which normally didn't bother me until this movie (or at least that scene). Those complaints pale in comparison to the atrocities committed by this flashback that serves no good to anyone. If anything, it reinforces how much Ryou is holding back and that his chipper attitude is just masking what has to be immense pain from all the crap he has to deal with (what he's not oblivious to, anyway). Most people who see the movie probably won't care (unless they're Ryou fans), but even they would have to notice that something doesn't add up. I still don't know if he comes out of this okay. I dread that they didn't have him say anything about his post-graduation plans because he might not make it, although when that happens it's usually telegraphed instead of left out entirely (which is in keeping with this series - Tea left him out of a friendship speech in season one for no reason other than he had a bigger role in the manga than the anime).
One last point I want to make about "it follows the manga, not the anime" that doesn't add up is Kaiba's attitude toward the end of the series. They said he wasn't present for the battle between Yugi and Atem in the manga, but I've seen a panel from the end of the manga with him and Mokuba in the desert as everyone is leaving. I haven't read the issue so I don't know the context, but he seemed to be at least around. He certainly could have challenged Yugi himself whether or not he'd been present for the duel. So am I still looking forward to this even after pointing out its logical and adaptational flaws? Yes, but I don't expect to get as much enjoyment out of it as I'd hoped. I don't like seeing terrible things happen to my favorite character over and over again, especially now that the reasons are now even more contrived and nonsensical.
Even though Tri bothers me, I will continue watching it because the worst thing that happened to Gatomon post-memory wipe so far is that Tokomon stole the whistle Kari gave her (and the fridge horror that she also forgot Wizardmon). It doesn't bother me that Edie Mirman got replaced as her voice actress since I don't intend on seeing the dub (though it's great that they could get most of the actors back, including Joshua Seth). If she was still voicing her I'd consider it, but otherwise I only want to be privy to this insanity once. I want to see the Yu-Gi-Oh! dub, if only because I won't get to see it in Japanese, though it's sad that Grandpa Muto has to be voiced by someone else since Maddie Blaustein died years ago. I've missed the rest of them and I'm glad they're back, even if Ryou was adapted as slightly more of a British stereotype than usual. I just wish he was treated better.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Nice Job Breaking It
Critical Role was a bit of a disaster, as the title was a bit misleading. Usually, an episode with the same name as one of the dragons means that they kill that dragon in the episode. That didn't happen this time, and instead she got away while almost having killed two of them (then Marisha rolled a nat 1 and Keyleth would've died too if she didn't have enough hit points). This was all Keyleth's fault in the first place, provoking an attack before Raishan could double-cross them. I'm still enjoying Thrilling Intent, though, especially with this new player character who's appeared to kidnap Ashe and take her back to Meathe against her will. She's a badass who'd fit right in with the likes of Sentinels of the Universe and Overwatch. I'm also looking at Gee Whiz on Youtube, who does animations for both Critical Role and Heroes and Halfwits.
I'm eagerly awaiting the new Yu-Gi-Oh! movie, though I probably won't see it until I can stream it. I'm looking for any clips I can find for sneak peeks. As glad as I am to hear Ted Lewis voice Ryou again, it's clear that he hasn't done this for a long time. That or they just have no idea what they're doing with his character to begin with. Even though he finally gets backstory this time around, that doesn't make up for not giving him post-graduation plans. I'm still waiting to find out what happens to him in the end since the translated synopsis I read last year was unclear.
Berseria is still in the opening for season 2 of Tales of Zestiria the X, a fact that still pisses me off but to which I'm now a bit resigned. Eri and Astra started off the new year in the new year's episode of AppliMonsters by being as annoying as possible. Haru didn't even say anything about being a main character - someone else said it for him. He and his love interest are the best characters.
It was finally time to upload Kort's video. I'm hoping there won't be backlash. No views so far, though. My December video only got two views, and Larxene's got one.
I'm eagerly awaiting the new Yu-Gi-Oh! movie, though I probably won't see it until I can stream it. I'm looking for any clips I can find for sneak peeks. As glad as I am to hear Ted Lewis voice Ryou again, it's clear that he hasn't done this for a long time. That or they just have no idea what they're doing with his character to begin with. Even though he finally gets backstory this time around, that doesn't make up for not giving him post-graduation plans. I'm still waiting to find out what happens to him in the end since the translated synopsis I read last year was unclear.
Berseria is still in the opening for season 2 of Tales of Zestiria the X, a fact that still pisses me off but to which I'm now a bit resigned. Eri and Astra started off the new year in the new year's episode of AppliMonsters by being as annoying as possible. Haru didn't even say anything about being a main character - someone else said it for him. He and his love interest are the best characters.
It was finally time to upload Kort's video. I'm hoping there won't be backlash. No views so far, though. My December video only got two views, and Larxene's got one.
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