Fandom Blurbs 2011 #010 ("Disease Fighting Stuff" and some Novel Catch-Up)

[ MOVIE ]

Movie Web's having a Contagion goodies Giveaway:

THey look cool xD I like the description on the LED light; got me amused, haha!

Oh, I like the movie plot written in that Giveawar post. I'm hoping to be able to write plots that sound interesting in paragraph form... I got used to my own style, like what I did to my review, haha.

Anywayz, for those who want to know what Contagion's about, but with more details:

An international traveler reaches into the snack bowl at an airport bar before passing her credit card to a waiter. A business meeting begins with a round of handshakes. A man coughs on a crowded bus...

One contact. One instant. And a lethal virus is transmitted.

When Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns to Minneapolis from business in Hong Kong, what she thought was jet lag takes a virulent turn. Two days later, she's dead in the ER and the doctors tell her shocked and grieving husband (Matt Damon) they have no idea why.

Soon, others exhibit the same mysterious symptoms: hacking coughs and fever, followed by seizure, brain hemorrhage...and ultimately, death. In Minneapolis, Chicago, London, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong, the numbers quickly multiply: one case becomes four, then sixteen, then hundreds, thousands, as the contagion sweeps across all borders, fueled by the countless human interactions that make up the course of an average day.

A global pandemic explodes. At the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers mobilize to break the code of a unique biological pathogen as it continues to mutate. Deputy Director Cheever (Laurence Fishburne) tries to allay the growing panic despite his own personal concerns, and must send a brave young doctor (Kate Winslet) into harm's way. At the same time, amid a rising tide of suspicion over a potential vaccine-and who gets it first-Dr. Leonora Orantes (Marion Cotillard) of the World Health Organization works through the network of connections that could lead back to the source of what they're dealing with.

As the death toll escalates and people struggle to protect themselves and their loved ones in a society breaking down, one activist blogger (Jude Law) claims the public isn't getting the truth about what's really going on, and sets off an epidemic of paranoia and fear as infectious as the virus itself

[ NOVEL ]

( A Clash of Kings - Pages 576 to 600 of 708)

The only cool thing that Sansa ever did was PRAY for Jooffrey's misfortune.

Theon's such an idiot. He's not really a bad guy, but still... AND IDIOT!!! T_T

( The Shack - Pages 1 to 20 of 250)

I got curious on it because of the popularity. I've come across a lot of religious controversies in fiction, but not much on spiritual ones. So far it's so interesting. I looooooooove how the narrator tells the story. Ordinary things/actions sound like adventures and magic through his words. I'm hoping to continue this very soon~

Oh-No! Manga: Alpha Issue

At an anime convention yesterday, I spotted a manga magazine. I was about to ask how much it was (then decide whether to buy it or not depending on the price) but when I noticed the magic word, "FREE", I didn't think twice and grabbed a copy at once, hehe.

Oh-No! Manga is a manga anthology magazine published by Melchman's Stuff Entertainment and Pygmalion Studios. Its first official issue will be released on February 2012, but a preview issue (aka Alpha Issue) has already been released this month, and IT'S FREE! You can request for a copy from the official site (you only have to pay for the shipping fee) or you can just download it. It's in English.

Right now it's encouraging aspiring mangakas to contribute and earn. Chosen ones get to have their works showcased in at least 12 issues. Those interested in becoming part of the launch of its first volume can check out this page for more details. It looks like they're looking for those who can draw manga or fanart, and also those who would want to share their cosplay photos.

This brings back memories. I used to subscribe to a local manga magazine before (that one was more localized since it's in our native language, unlike ONM, which is in English). I'm not sure what happened to that old manga magazine though, but hopefully it won't happen to this one.

This issue contained the editor's message, the promos, the merchandise advertisements, a featured fanart, and a prologue of one of its series entitled Silent Destiny Onusa.

The story takes place in a region called Serapi, where two kingsdoms are at war with each other. The only one who can bring back peace in Serapi is The Silencer, a young man named Popi who just arrived in a strange land... and has no idea where he is!

Manga Discoveries: Dangerously Sexy Umbrella Maker, Ballerina Boy, & Friendly Ghost (ft. Comic Gene)

I'm very excited to see the new magazine called Comic Gene. It features a lot of interesting-looking series. Well, it's being advertised as a shounen magazine for females... much like Zero-Sum (many Zero-Sum series are like a combo/cross of shounen and shoujo). Not a surprise to see a Zero-Sum author like Takayama Shinobu having a contribution there:

Takayama-sensei contributed on the illustration book that will be released together with the first issue. Illustrations by other artists look very pretty as well *_* Oh wow~
The other freebie of the first issue was a Maria Holic Drama CD, I think.
Damnit... June is taking so long. And I don't even know if I'll really be able to see it. *sigh*

Alright, now on to my sharing of some new manga I checked out recently:
[ NEW SERIES SPOTTED ]

From Left to Right: Adekan -> coda -> The Ghost Apartment Manager
Favoritism: Adekan > coda > The Ghost Apartment Manager

Kuroshitsuji 2: Robin Figurine Crack (Extra: Interesting News About Other Series)

Wooden (finished with gold) figurine of Master
(Original form created by: Claude Forstas)
figure text: Olé
figure text: slightly on the larger side

Alois: Ohh, despite Ciel looking so cool all the time, he does stuff even like this~
Alois: Ohh, uh huh
sfx: smirk smirk
caption: The correct incorrect way of enjoying the Robin's figurine. Please go and buy one too, everyone!
(translation by shiroro; illustration by Yana Toboso)

Shet Alois.... love ya xD Also you and your master obsession, Claude.
The wait for episode 5 is kiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnggggggggg me xD

By the way, to those who are interested on the real thing (I mean the figurine, not the perverted psycho boy, LOLz): Look here. It's verrrrry expensive (except to wealthy people) but the details are wow *_*

Now for anime news regarding: Gundam Wing, Kizumonogatari (Bakemonogatari prequel), and Seikimatsu Occult Academy

Gundam W: Endless Waltz Anime to Spawn New Manga
The September issue of Kadokawa Shoten's Monthly Gundam Ace magazine has announced on Monday that a new manga based on the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz video anime series has been green-lit.
=== Ummm... Gundam Wing fan! It's still my favorite Gundam series until now! Hopefully Heero will still show up somehow *_*

NisiOisin's Kizumonogatari Light Novel Gets Anime
A flyer included with NisiOisin's Nekomonogatari light novel has announced on Wednesday that production on a third NisiOisin anime project, Kizumonogatari, has been green-lit. This will be the latest NisiOisin work to be animated after Bakemonogatari and Katanagatari. The one-volume Kizumonogatari story is a prequel to the Bakemonogatari light novel series.
=== HELL YEAH!!! I will be sad on the lack of Hitagi-sama though.... but this is seems to be more horror compare to Bakemonogatari (which reminds me, I should marathon the last three episodes already). So awesome *_* (And Miss Vampire's so hott xD)

Occult Academy BDs/DVDs to Include Spinoff Episodes
The second Blu-ray/DVD volume of the Occult Academy television anime series will include the first of four spinoff episodes when it ships on October 27. The volume will also contain the third and fourth television episodes, and a limited edition will bundle a CD with the song "Be Together" sung by the character Mikaze Nakagawa, as voiced by the actress Minori Chihara.
=== I'm excited to see the spinoffs *_* But eeeeehh.... not Maya character song? WHYYYYY? I love how her voice actress sings! Not fair =_=

Supernatural Series Gets An Anime Adaptation!

WINCHESTER BROTHERS SPEAKING JAPANESE xD LOLz

The official Japanese website of the Warner Brothers production company has opened a section on Thursday to reveal the Supernatural The Animation project, which will launch from Japan in January of 2011. The "special project" will tie into the American live-action television series Supernatural. The website promises that the new project will be an animated work that no one has seen before. It does not indicate whether the project will be Japanese-animated or not.

The live-action series follows the Winchester brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) as they hunt creatures and other supernatural phenomena across the American landscape. The series premiered on The WB network in the United States in 2005, and it will enter its sixth season on The WB's replacement network, The CW, this fall. The fifth season of the live-action series will ship in Japan this fall, along with the Blu-ray versions of the second through fourth seasons.

Warner Brothers has been involved in several Japanese-animated projects based on American entertainment properties, including The Animatrix, Batman: Gotham Knight, Halo Legends, and most recently, Thundercats. The studio has also acquired the film rights for Akira, Death Note, and Ninja Scroll, and has reportedly been in talks for the rights to the Bleach manga.

The Cinema Today website reports that MADHOUSE is the acclaimed anime studio (Death Note, Paprika, Vampire Hunter D, Summer Wars) that is producing the previously announced Supernatural the Animation project for Warner Brothers. According to the website, this is the world's first animated project from a Japanese anime studio that is based on a popular overseas drama series. Shigeyuki Miya (Lupin III: Green vs Red, Aoi Bungaku Series, Buzzer Beater) and Atsuko Ishizuka (Aoi Bungaku Series) are co-directing the project.

Warner Home Video will release Supernatural the Animation on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan on January 12, 2011. The original live-action series follows the Winchester brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) as they hunt creatures and other supernatural phenomena across the American landscape. The series premiered on The WB network in the United States in 2005, and it will enter its sixth season on The WB's replacement network, The CW, this fall.

The animeanime.jp website reports that the anime will be a 22-episode season that will cover the storyline of the live-action version's first two seasons. The first volume will ship on January 12 with the first two episodes. On February 2, the "Box 1" set will ship with episodes 3 to 12. On April 6, the "Box 2" set will ship with episodes 13 to 22. (There will be a different release schedule for the rental version of the project.)

The anime project will not only remake the best episodes from the live-action version, but also depict original episodes not seen in the live-action version. Those original episodes will include prologues of the Winchester brothers' childhood, anime-only enemies, and episodes featuring secondary characters from the live-action version.

Supernatural creator Eric Kripke is credited as the anime project's creator, and MADHOUSE co-founder Masao Maruyama is serving as executive producer. Naoya Takayama (Night Head, Liar Game) is supervising the series' scripts, and Takahiro Yoshimatsu (Trigun) is designing the characters.

Yuya Uchida (Soul Eater's Dr. Franken Stein, Naruto Shippūden's Rinji) will dub the role of Sam, while Hiroki Touchi (Trinity Blood's Abel Nightroad, Bokurano's Kokkpelli) will dub the role of Dean. Both actors dubbed these same roles for the live-action version in Japanese.

THEY ARE MAKING AN ANIME VERSION OF MY NUMERO UNO WESTERN TV SERIES SO OF COURSE I'M FREAKIN' EXCITED!!!!!
MADHOUSE (Death Note, Black Lagoon, Kurozuka) IS HANDLING IT!!! IT IS THE STUDIO OF A LOT OF AWESOME ANIME!!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!!
MASAO MARUYAMA (Kaiba, Monster, X) IS THE PRODUCER!!!! HE WILL DO AWESOME WORK AND LOVE!!!!!!!!
SHIGEYUKI MIYA (Aoi Bungaku, Xam'd Lost Memories, Haibane Renmei) IS THE CO-DIRECTOR!!!! IT WILL DEFINITELY BE PRESENTED AWESOMELY!!!!
TAKAHIRO YOSHIMATSU (Trigun, Slayers, Basquash) WILL DESIGN THEM!!!! THE CHARACTERS WILL CERTAINLY LOOK AWESOME!!!!
NAOYA TAKAYAMA (Night Head, Liar Game) is someone I'm not familiar with. With Liar Game, this person doesn't seem to be the one behind the Japanese live-action series, and I haven't heard of it having another adaptation..... but since this person works on such cool series... then no doubt he's gonna be AWESOME!!!!
I CAN'T IMAGINE YUYA UCHIDA AS SAM NOR HIROKI TOUICHI AS DEAN. BUT SINCE SEIYUUS ARE AWESOME AND THEIR CHARACTERS ARE AWESOME, IT'S GONNA BE AWESOME!
I WANNA SEE THIS SO BADLY!!! ESPECIALLY THE ANIME ORIGINAL EPISODES!!!! IT WOULD BE MORE DELIGHTFUL IF YOU ADD CHARACTERS FROM SEASON 4 ONWARDS xD ANGEL CASTIEL =3
I have never been this excited over a Japanese anime adaptation based on a contemporary Western series/show/movie/whatever xD

Source: Anime News Network

Afterschool Charisma: Goodies and Stuff So Far

Someone had asked at FormSpring if H*P could do news stuff regarding this series. I didn't think I could do it (because it's quite difficult to find resources.... it's always like that on not-so-popular series).

But one day, I felt like looking up on Afterschool Charisma stuff and... I found many interesting things *_*

To my surprise, Afterschool Charisma is actually quite popular *_* But not many people outside Japan are familiar with it so.... let's boost the fandom up ;D Anywayz, I'll be sharing things I discovered and stuff that a fan might be interested to know. However, well, I couldn't report about those in Japanese text, because my Japanese is still mediocre. But that wouldn't be a problem if we just focus on the images, right? xD So now, enjoy:

[ CHARISMA IN IKKI ]

Afterschool Charisma is being published in Ikki (which also handles series like House of Five Leaves, Bokurano, etc.) Charisma made it to Ikki's cover in three issues: June 2008 (the year it debuted), July 2009, and January 2010.
Those images look amazing! If only there's no text and is in a bigger version.... hehehehe.

[ CHARISMA IN IKKICOMIX ]

I am not sure of the difference between Ikki and Ikkicomix, but apparently, in Ikkicomix there's an issue(?) wherein there's a Charisma cover with the characters in swim wear by the pool!
It looks fun~ Poor Shiro, haha!

[ CHARISMA MANGA ]

There are three volumes released right now, both in Japanese and English. If you can get a copy at your bookstore or manage to buy them online, DO IT xD
By the way, Volume 4 (Japanese) will be coming this June 30!!!! Hooray!!!

[ CHARISMA MANGA EXTRAS ]

It appears that you get these (I'm not sure what exactly they are... postcards or something?) if you purchase the manga (the Japanese version only I think.... or it's a special edition)

[ CHARISMA MANGA AUTHOR DOODLES ]

Aside fom those mentioned above, you can also get these!!! But then again, perhaps it's only on Japanese versions or it's a special edition. Waaahh.... I want them.
My copies have the omake chapters though.... they were really funny xD I'm certain that these are just as cute and as funny~

[ CHARISMA EVENT ]

I think this happened sometime this year.... there appears to be a special Afterschool Charisma Event wherein the manga stores have been highlighting the Charisma products! There are so many of them that it's impossible with my internet connection to spam them in a single post, so I made a collage instead, as you can see on the right and left image. For the bigger version of the image on the right, click here. During that event by the way it also appears they are either selling or giving away these Charisma posters: The group pic's still my favorite *_* It's a spread from the first chapter actually:

[ CHARISMA GOODIES ]

IT'S A DOLLY!!!!!!!! AWESOME xD

MORE DOLLIES IN THE BACKGROUND xD
And the one infront looks like a Shiro ID or something.

KYAAAAAAA!!!!!! CHIBIS!!! There seems to be a handkerchief and errr... pamphlete version?
SHIRO SAYING THAT HE'S A HERO REMINDS ME OF HETALIA'S ALFRED/AMERICA. DAAAAAAW xD

Not certain if this is a postcard or a handkerchief.... but Elizabeth and Florence look so sexy here *_*
I think I saw someone selling it at some Yahoo Japan site.... guuuhh... forgot the link.... Just look somewhere there if you want to buy it.

And these look like special illustrations from Kumiko-sensei! Me want *_*

This, by the way, is a smaller version of the wallpaper from the official english SigIkki site. I hope they make a Freud or Hitler soon xD

[ CHARISMA STUFF ]

In Volume 2, the characters are preparing for their School Festival wherein they perform and cosplay as their originals xD The image above is a sneak peek of what they wore. THEY ALL LOOK COOL!!! And oh I hope there'll be bigger versions of the colored versions xD

[ CHARISMA AUTHOR ]

Kumiko-sensei did a sneak peek of a new image she's working on. It looks like little Pandora clinging to the director. Hehehehe~ Hopefully the full version will be out soon~

Kumiko-sensei had a lot of other works (I want Once Upon a Glashma!!!! ;_;), not only in manga, but it appears that she has also done illustrations for games and drama CD's. Those boys in chibi are part of some drama CD, I think. The blonde one looks soooooooooo much like Napoleon except that he's the seductive type; while the main character (at the center) is like a Shiro and Hitler lovechild combo xD Oh this looks interesting~

Notes/Sources/Credits:
~ Suekano Kumiko's Blog
~ Viz / SigIkki
~ Ikki Site and Blog
~ Various Blogs
~ Amazon, Toranoa, and the like
~ Google Search

Alrighty, that's all for now =) Please help in spreading the love xD Hehehehehehe~

If you haven't read Afterschool Charisma yet,
READ NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW xD

Hetalia Manga and Anime in English!

I believe many of the fans are already aware that Hetalia has been licensed by TOKYOPOP (manga) and FUNimation (anime).

It's fantastic news because we'll finally be able to read/see Hetalia in English!!! and according to news, the dubs would even have accents! (But do take note that it has an MA rating due to instances of profanity, crude humor, and adult situations. Japan rates it as PG though.) What's more, the official Funimation site and Youtube Page has provided free streaming of subbed episodes, so please do check them out (for countries that aren't blocked).

Let's support official English Hetalia by checking out the subbed episodes (they're free anywayz. So go watch them if it's viewable in your country) and by purchasing the graphic novel and the DVD once it's released! The Japanese webmanga is already a phenomenon, and the Japanese manga & anime is a current hit and the staff's earning tons! Let's support the English industry this time... to give us more of Hetalia in a language that we understand. *_* Let's make it more of a success than it already is xD

[ FIRST SEASON DVD TRAILER ]
There's already a traler of the first season DVD at FUNimation's blog. But for those who can't view the video (I think only those in North America could access it. You lucky people!), thankfully hirothepenguin has been generous enough to show us an alternative streaming medium:

APH Season One on DVD 9/14/10 from Eichi on Vimeo.

The DVD of the first season will be out on September 14, 2010! Don't miss it if you can get your copy from your place!

[ FIRST SEASON EPISODES ]

Below is the list of links of the available subbed episodes so far provided to us by FUNimation for free! Do check them out if it's viewable in where you're in. Descriptions provided are copied from the Youtube page. Compilation of links is huge thanks to mizu_takishima.

Forget everything you learned in history class, and imagine all the nations of the world as cute guys hanging out on a wildly inappropriate reality show. Now, toss in every stereotype ever and prepare to pledge allegiance to your favorite superpower in Hetalia: Axis Powers!

Episode 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Bncqwh-Mo
When the nations gather to solve the world's problems, U.S.A. presents his solution to global warming and it's a pretty stupid one. Then everyone argues for a while, just before a flashback to WWI.
Episode 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okXzHnADloI
Germany is prowling the woods of WWI in search of the enemy, when he happens upon a crate of tomatoes. Just as he opens the wooden box, Italy attacks! I'm only kidding. Italy mostly just lays around.
Episode 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NppH0EVcdnU
WWI is over, but Italy won't quite pestering Germany. In fact, with WWII right around the corner, Italy pledges his undying devotion to his gruff friend, and a delightful Axis of Bromance is born.
Episode 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li9FlTspiEU
Italy and Germany have a new BFF: Japan. After a getting acquaited soak in the hot springs, Japan shows the guys his value as an ally by actually, he doesn't really do much. But he seems very polite.
Episode 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M2fs8KqXrw
Germany, Japan, and Italy are on a deserted island, and they're making the most of such a pleasant environment. Especially Italy, who uses the free time make white flags and sand sculptures of pasta.
Episode 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ehr1TqKi8Q
Japan, Germany, and Italy roast marshmallows on the beach. The three guys may feel like the night belongs to them, but they are far from alone. Actually, marshmallows sound pretty good right now. BRB.
Episode 7: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxmVpwl39ZI
U.S.A. takes a break from stuffing hamburgers into his face just long enough (barely) to reveal his plans for attackign the Axis. Meanwhile, much to Germany's delight, Italy's got an obnoxious brother.
Episode 8: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfnZZ2yo5lA
Since Italy's kind of a moron, he keeps getting captured by the Allies. But since he's kind of annoying, he keeps getting sent back to the Axis. And in a shocking turn of events, Japan answers a telephone!
Episode 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVuG1TeeiRM
The Allies get together to split up their responsibilities for the coming war, which really just means: U.S.A. decides he'll be the hero and everyone else will act as his support. Meanwhile, isn't France dreamy?
Episode 10: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shp8M2rx7rk
France is devastated upon learning he wasnt invited to the second meeting of the Allies, and as he reflects on the I'm sorry, can you excuse me for a second? It seems chibi Italy is wearing Hungary's dress.
Episode 11: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPvUghNcgV0
The moment of truth arrives in Chibitalia: will Italy accept the adorable Holy Roman Empire's offer? And while the Allies prepare for WWII, U.K. totally hangs out with a unicorn.
Episode 12: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiwPKJH6SN4
First, a scene from after the war: France asks U.K. to marry him. It has something to do with Suez Canal. Next, a scene set before the war shows the Axis prepping to take on U.K.
Episode 13: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyVDYLG2p8Q
U.K. is aggravated after losing to Germany, so the lad uses the dark arts to get his revenge. In a scary room, he chants a summoning spell and unleashes Russia, the weirdest of all world powers!
Episode 14: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_KxgjultA4
Germany goes to the supermarket to buy sausages. Ordinarily that wouldnt be exciting, but during this trip he manages to encounter every midly-offensive stereotype ever associated with every nation ever.
Episode 15: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcT4yZFpEw0
Italy and Germany enjoy soaking in the rays of the sun, but Japan isnt thrilled about the prospect of exposing himself. Of course, a quick glimpse at his library proves he's not totally against nudity.
Episode 16: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xlbadqPqYg
A walk down memory lane reveals the moment when China found tiny, young Japan sitting all alone in the woods.

[ FIRST VOLUME MANGA ]

TOKYOPOP has confirmed that they'll be releasing Hetalia in English, and there's a Press Release Article about it for those interested to know more regarding that topic.
There's no cover available yet but news say that it will be out in bookstores "everywhere" on September 10, 2010. It's available at Amazon and RightStuff too but product availability on those sites is on September 28, 2010.

[ SAPPHIRE PYRO's NOTES ]

(ONE OF THE GREATEST LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THIS SERIES xD)

I'll update this post ass soon as I could (or feel lke it) if there'll be any new stuff regarding this. For now I am trying to find a way to grab a copy of the manga (hopefully TOKYOPOP will do it justice and don't be as insanely expensive as the other TOKYOPOP manga T_T) and the anime dvd (I think FUNi will do a good job on it.... I've heard the Baccano one was awesome~) once they're out... but no luck so far *despair* But for now, I'll drool over the 3rd volume of the Japanese manga~

Blue Literature - No Longer Human MOVIE!

Oh my God . . .

A theatrical film version of MADHOUSE's Aoi Bungaku Series anime has been green-lit for a December opening in Japan.

OPENING DATES:
Tokyo - December 12th (Sat) Cine Libre Ikebukuro
Osaka - December 19 (Sat) Umeda Theater

The film will re-edit the four episodes based on Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human (Ningen Shikkaku) novel, which have character designs inspired by manga artist and novel illustrator Takeshi Obata (Death Note, Hikaru no Go, Bakuman.). This "director's cut" will include new "navigation" footage which is being created specifically for the film with narrator Masato Sakai.

If you purchase the theater tickets in advance, you will be getting a "No Longer Human" postcard, writing notes(notebooks?), and two other related freebies!

I am very happy for this! I so wanna see the edited scenes! And I would like to have those free stuff too~ The notebook stuff make it seem like Death Note. Hehe~

Source:
~ Mainchi Shimbun's Mantan Web via Anime News Network
~ Aoi Bungaku Official Site

Hetalia Day 2009

It's less than 2 weeks away . . . being a Hetalia fan, and I think there are people who don't hang out at the Hetalia community much, I think this deserves further promotion~

Axis Powers Hetalia is a series that presents an allegorical interpretation of political, cultural, historical, and even contemporary events in which the various countries are represented by anthropomorphic characters. Most of its stories are based during the World War II era, so its main characters consist of the Axis Powers and the Allied Forces, with Italy as the leading character. Aside from these nations, there are over 40 countries personified as human characters in this series as well.

Despite the negative criticisms and the controversies that this series encounters, there are still a lot of people who bring support to this series because it's not simply a satirical comic; it encourages people from different parts of the world to get along and shows that it's possible! The characters in Hetalia possess the stereotypical traits of the nation they represent, whether positive or negative, and there had been a lot of events wherein they engage into battles or quarrels with other characters (representing the wars or simple disagreements in historical and contemporary events of course). However, despite all those, these characters could still get along and work together. In reality, this is clearly represented by what we know as the United Nations.

The United Nations (UN) was founded after the end of World War II by the victorious Allied Powers in the hope that it would act to intervene in conflicts between nations and thereby avoid war. It is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, and human rights issues. Currently, there are 192 United Nations member states, encompassing almost every recognized independent state.

Both the UN and the Hetalia series present that people from different parts of the world can become friends. If the UN consists of different independent nations, the Hetalia fandom consists fans of different races. Because of this similarity and plenty of other reasons, though it's not exactly official, Hetalia fans have decided to celebrate Hetalia Day on October 24, together with the United Nations Day.

Hetalia Day will be celebrated in different parts of the globe! So far, meetings in eleven countries in five continents are being organized and more meetings in different cities are being planned.

Go to the directory to look for the Hetalia Day venue near your location. There will be a lot of fun activities for you to join in and there will also be plenty of fellow Hetalia fans to meet!

I hope you enjoy guys! I am not sure if I could come to the one near my place though ^^;

Credits/Sources:
~ Wikipedia
~ Hetalia Day.com

Code Geass - Revival Re: advent

It appears that Code Geass is going to have a new picture drama entitled: "Revival Re:advent"

The event is going to happen on December 5, 2009 in celebration to Lelouch's birthday!

Big Event: The Miraculous Rebirth [or Birthday or Revival ]

Event Info:
The main cast has a new picture drama coming out.
Surprise!
Tokyo International Forum
Pre-orders start on the 10th of this month.
General marketing starts on the 10 of next month.
1 2nd edition 7800.
3rd edition 6800 yen [about $75-ish in today's market].

[Translator Note: I'm not 100% sure about the word "edition" in this line and the next since the kanji here usually refers to the counter for storeys or floors of a building. The word "level" or "release" might be more appropriate.]

Fans of course are excited about this and many are discussing whether this could mean that Lelouch is actually alive or he's going to be reincarnated. Other possibilities that I see is that it's just an alternative story/universe, or a what-if scenario, or maybe the staff just wants to drive us crazy. Haha!

I look forward to this very much because not only Lelouch makes a comeback, my goddess C.C. and my dear Rolo are also there! Oh December hurry!!!

Credits/Note:
~ official page for more information about the event
~ yedijoda for the translation of the event info

AniManga Headlines Compilation

*sniff* Why is Code Geass so tragic. It would've been like this if it was happy:

It's one of the scans in the Zero requiem video. So gorgeous~

Anywayz, There are loads of news that are anime/manga related. I'll be including here those that I'm familiar with or have caught my interest.

[ Axis Powers Hetalia DVD Vol. 4 to 8 releases and ED singers ]
[ New Anime Series ]
[ New OVA Series ]
[ New Movies]
[ Others ]

[ Axis Powers Hetalia DVD Vol. 4 to 8 releases and ED singers ]
*dying to hear Prussia's version*

• Axis Powers Hetalia DVD Vol.4 - September 25, 2009
  (Marukaite Chikyuu - China and Russia)
• Axis Powers Hetalia DVD Vol.5 - October 23, 2009
  (Marukaite Chikyuu - Holy Roman Empire and Chibitalia)
• Axis Powers Hetalia DVD Vol.6 - December 22, 2009
  (Marukaite Chikyuu - Switzerland and Liechtenstein)
• Axis Powers Hetalia DVD Vol.7 - February 25, 2009
  (Marukaite Chikyuu - Poland and Lithuania)
• Axis Powers Hetalia DVD Vol.8 - March 25, 2009
  (Marukaite Chikyuu - Austria and Prussia)

[ New Anime Series ]

• Deadman Wonderland - ABOUT TIME! Now next thing to worry will be the animation studio and the staff/cast behind it . . .
• Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitte Iru - I read this months ago . . . but I didn't think it would become anime material. Whoa~

[ New OVA Series ]

• Black Lagoon - I need to finish the previous seasons to watch this . . . its tentative release date is next year.
• Urusei Yatsura - I haven't seen much of this . . . but I know it's old . . . this is such a surprise!
• Ranma 1/2 - I can't believe there'll be more of Ranma 1/2. Inuyasha's getting more as well.
• Halo Legends - production values seem really WOW!

[ New Movies ]

• CANAAN - There will be three movies coming that will compile the series' 13 episodes.
• Clover - There's no deal yet but there are negotiations going on for Universal Film studio to make a movie based on that manga.
• GunGrave - There's going to be a live-action film of it under Convergence Entertainment. Haven't really seen the anime, but it looks like my type so hopefully the Hollywood version will be good.

[ Others ]

• Bakuman Licensed - not surprised~ It's by the creators of the famous Death Note after all. And it's also very awesome~
• Marvel Comics to Anime - I see Iron Man, Hulk, X-Men, etc. They look great but . . . I prefer western cartoons to do western comics. Ehehehe . . .

Source/Credits:
~ AnimeSuki
~ Anime News Network
~ Animate.TV

Dhurarara!! Anime Announced!

It has been revealed that Dhurarara!!, the light novel series by Baccano! author Ryohgo Narita, is getting animated!

Dhurarara!! (the distorted love story?) is a light novel series, which premiered in April 2004, by Ryohgo Narita, with illustrations by Suzuhito Yasuda. As of July 2009, six volumes have been published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko label. A manga adaptation by Akiyo Satorigi started serialization in the shōnen manga magazine Monthly GFantasy on April 18, 2009.

The series is set in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and revolves around an ensemble cast including street thugs, high school students, a female radio host, an underworld doctor, a young information vendor, and a headless Irish fairy (which is one of the major characters that is said to be riding a living motorcycle searching for its stolen head in Japan).

The official website will be opened later but staff credits already show a reunion of Baccano staff members including Brains Base producing the animation and almost the whole Baccano crew! Aside from the production company, the Director, Story Planner, Character Designer, Art Director, and Music Composer are also the same.

Baccano! is my greatest obsession next to Axis Powers Hetalia! That anime series was seriously brilliant and epic!!! It totally needs another reason but instead of that we get to have another series by the same author instead. But I'm relieved that the same staff and production company's working on it, because they did such a good job on Baccano and Natsume Yuujinchou! Aside from the fact that Dhurarara's synopsis is already very cool and interesting, the geniuses behing the Baccano novels and anime are working on this new anime too. From only those, we could already tell that AWESOMENESS OF THIS ANIME IS ASSURED!!! I cannot wait! I am very excited for this!!! YESSSS!!!!!!

Source/Credits:
~ Wikipedia
~ Anime News Network
~ Anime Nation
~ Otaku Review
~ AnimeKon

Fairy Tail gets Anime Adaptation!

This year's 31st issue of Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine will announce next Wednesday that a television anime adaptation of Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail fantasy adventure manga has been green-lit for this fall. The anime studios A-1 Pictures and Satelight will produce the project.
( Anime News Network )

I already expected Fairy Tail to have an anime adaptation because it's already been really really popular! Hiro Mashima's Rave Adventure had been a popular anime, and I think Fairy Tail manga had been even more popular than the Rave manga! So I really think that this will do better! Yes, I freakin' love Fairy Tail! Hehe!

It's mainstream shounen though . . . even if it's very awesome . . . it's still very long. I couldn't follow it anymore. It had been the same case for me with Bleach and Katekayo Hitman Reborn. I love Fairy Tail so I will definitely check out the anime once it's out but . . . I am sure that there will be many many episodes (the manga's still ongoing after all) and there will be fillers. Uuugghh . . . but I wanna know what the anime will be like! I wanna know how Gray and Erza will turn out! They're my favorites so their anime versions should be awesome! Bwahehehe~

Anyway, this had really been an exciting and wonderful news. I doubt I could watch the anime till the end (at least not that soon. Who knows, I might find time to marathon? Hehe), but I still look forward to it!

Bakemonogatari - PV 2

The second PV of Bakemonogatari with more scenes from the anime and more dialogues from the characters!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE . . .

. . . OR SEE HIGHER RESOLUTION AT THE OFFICIAL SITE!

[ KOYOMI ]
Main character of the series, Koyomi Araragi, is voiced by Kamiya Hiroshi!

HOTTEST ANIME SCENE KOYOMI I'VE SEEN SO FAR!
*nosebleed*

But his hairstyle is still pretty dorky . . ehehehe . . .

Kamiya Horishi voiced him so that seiyuu + SHAFT usually equal to Nozomu of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. That scene made me thing of Nozomu-sensei alright.

But the way he talked sure sounded more like Natsume of Natsume Yuujinhou. Ah well, he really should sound younger since he's around Natsume's age after all. Hehe.

This is perhaps a scene before him and Katagi met. Those stairs . . . so loooooong . . . I'm so happy my school didn't have such stairs O_O And thank goodness for elevators!

Ah yessss~ creepiness. I love horror stuff!

THOSE BLOODSHOT EYES ATTRACT ME SO!!!! *_*

[ HITAGI ]
Our leading lady, Hitagi Senjougahara, is voiced by miss Saito Chiwa!

I already like her from pictures and spoilers, and I like her even more when I heard her talk and move *_*

SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

If I saw this scene without any background of the series, I would have thought of this anime as a slice of life shoujo wherein the loser leading boy has a crush on some pretty popular girl.

I've heard she claims to be tsundere . . . but tsunderes don't usually admit that, right? Hehe.

I think she's moe. Haha! Not the annoying type of moe. Perhaps Mio of K-ON's level of moe. Haha!

She is also a pretty troubled girl who has a terrible secret. It's such a weird secret actually. Well, a weird secret is better than a lame secret (like "I'm secretly an otaku!!!" OH COME ON!!!)

If Kuroshitsuji provided me an epic awesome character who uses dining utensils as weapons, then Bakemonogatari has shown me a character that uses school supplies as weapons! YOU ARE AWESOME GIRL!

And that pose . . . pretty sexy~

[ KOYOMI AND HITAGI ]
My OTP . . .

stuns me . . .

amazes me . . .

and cracks me up!

Haha! I ship these two as early as know! Mwahahahaha!

[ OTHERS ]

I forgot this girl's name. I'm not usually fond of megane girls but she seems likable. Hehe.




Sakurai Takahiro's not exactly voicing a young bishie this time, but it already seems that this dude is someone awesome! Hehe!



I don't remember who this girl is either . . . but she's pretty *_*

That's all the screenshots I've managed to capture. Hehe~

The preview already seems so amazing! It's making me more excited to watch the anime already! Yay!