Reviews

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After the Cel Shading – Gundam Build Fighters Try

 

Go back to the beginning and Try again, show.

In the final episode of Gundam Build Fighters Try, there was a contest where the winner was chosen based on his or her peerless design and craftsmanship of their own Gundam plastic model (Gunpla). At the end, it came down to two finalists: one of the three protagonists and his rival. Their numbers were 6 and 9 respectively. Initially the victor was thought to be number 9, but it turns out that the card was upside down, and the protagonist was the true victor after all. read more

Juu-kuchiby Juu-kuchi•
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After the Cel Shading – Rolling Girls

 

"Rambling, Failing, Scrounging Girls. For others. For themselves. Even if they’re destined to be a ‘mess’"

What a fucking waste of time this was.

No… really. That’s how I felt once I finished the final episode.  It’s always the promising ones that getcha feeling like this. They have an interesting concept, a number of factors of high quality and promise, but then they squander it in ways that surprise. Initially you’re perturbed and all: “Huh, I’m not sure about this, but maybe something will come from it.” Then those shows end their runs and you’re left in a state of confusion about what happened and how to think/feel about it. When you finally come to your conclusion, you are left in a state of anger and disappointment that the show you just watched could’ve been SO much more. Such is the case with Rolling Girls. read more

Juu-kuchiby Juu-kuchi•
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The Heroic Legend of Arslan Episodes 1-6 Review

Synopsis:

The Kingdom of Pars stands above all other nations in its region, remaining unmatched in its military might for years under the command of its warrior-king, Andragoras III. However, a rival nation, Lusitiania, has designs on conquering Pars. The young prince, Arslan, is sheltered and gentle, and unprepared for his first battle with the Lusitianian army. During the battle, the Parsian army is betrayed by the general Kharlan, who helps lure them into a trap. Andragoras is forced to flee, and his forces lose heart, falling quick victim. The Lusitianian forces, guided by a man named Silver Mask, take advantage of this retreat to corner the king, then they attack the royal capital, Ecbatana. Arslan goes into hiding with the warrior Daryun, and they seek the asisstance of the retired tactician Narsus and his servant Elam. However, Silver Mask and Kharlan are looking for Arslan even as they lay seige to the capital. Can Arslan and the kingdom of Pars survive this sudden turn of fortune? read more

Penguin Truthby Penguin Truth•
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Lupin III Part I Episode 03 Review

Episode 03, "Farewell, My Beloved Witch"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Lupin happens upon a troubled young woman named Linda, being chased by a group of criminals called the Killers-in-Killers. Teaming up with Jigen, he discovers that the syndicate wants a scientist named Dr. Heinlein’s research which converts a certain flower, the Third Sun flower, into a powerful explosive. Linda is the doctor’s assistant who was trying to leave their island laboratory, and the Killers wanted to ensure she stayed. Fujiko also wants the Third Sun flowers, but her plane is shot down by the Killers. Lupin is captured, but escapes with Jigen’s assistance. Lupin, Jigen, and the scientist burn the Third Sun flowers, but Linda also dies. The scientist is killed and Lupin infiltrates the Killers’ submarine to sabatoge their Third Sun-powered missile. In the end, the missile is disabled, but Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko are left with nothing to show for it. read more

Penguin Truthby Penguin Truth•
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Lupin III Part I Episode 02 Review

Episode 02, "The Man They Call A Magician"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Fujiko is being pursued by a mysterious and dangerous man, Pycal, who she stole something from. Lupin and Jigen struggle to protect her, but Pycal appears to have strange powers, including being immune to bullets, levitation, and shooting flames from his finger. Though Lupin discovers the secrets behind Pycal’s abilities, he appears to fall to his death. But Lupin is clever and turns the tables, using the very same techniques as Pycal to gain an advantage. Pycal is overwhelmed and his secret formula goes down in flames along with him. read more

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Lupin III Part I Episode 01 Review

Episode 01, "Is Lupin Burning…?!"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Lupin III participates in a suspicious Formula One-style race. The race is a trap from the Scorpion crime syndicate to destroy Lupin and dominate crime in Japan. Lupin’s operative, Fujiko Mine, is captured, and he has to switch places in the race with his ally Jigen so he can rescue her and confront the organization’s boss. All the while, Lupin is pursued by Inspector Zenigata, dogged chaser of Lupin. Lupin manages to destroy the Scorpion group’s headquarters and race track, but Fujiko betrays him to the law. Lupin manages to slip away, and shows Fujiko that there’s no hard feelings. read more

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Batman vs Robin Review

****SPOILER-FREE SYNOPSIS*****

Synopsis: Batman is having a little trouble with his new Robin. Namely, it’s his son, and he was raised by his assassin mother to use deadly force at any threat. Robin’s had to rein himself in, but now finds himself tempted by the arrival of a mysterious assassin garbed in the guise of an owl, who wants to take the young boy as his own partner. Batman finds that the owl man is one of many working for a secret society in Gotham who want Bruce Wayne as a member, and have a hard time saying no. Can the Dark Knight keep both his son and his city from slipping away into the darkness the owls dwell in? read more

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Batman Eternal #52 (FINALE) Review

 

Here comes the sun, doodoodoodoo,

Here comes the sun,

And I say,

It’s Dark Knight…

 

At long last, a villain from the past and our hero are cast into one final blast, to complete this black mass, and allies amass in this conclusion quite vast. It’s the final issue of DC’s weekly Batman celebration, Batman Eternal. One more villain revelation. One more race to the finish. One last bout with a rival. Last stands, surrenders, defenders, sneers, cheers, and a new status quo, all this this fifty-second, and ending chapter. As revealed last issue, as I had surmised for some time, Lincoln March steered this plan from the start, even if it didn’t originate from him. Though some of my assumptions proved slightly off, generally I was correct in my deductions, and any differences are quite amusing directions that I’m satisfied with. The issue plays off at once the conclusion of this story and a great coda for the Snyder Batman, even if the actual scripting was done by another. read more

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Cross Ange Episode 25 [FINAL] – Interdimensional Post-Birth Abortion

 

For the record, that subtitle can apply either to your feelings to the anime if it has remained negative to the end, or the events that will transpire in the episode involving Mr. Nice God.

Well, we’re finally at the end of Cross Ange and boy did this episode excite even if it didn’t explain much in lurid detail. While Embryo’s past is finally revealed, the details of something like the Whoremonic Convergence (the one involving many alternate universes with the Cross Ange cast) are barely touched upon. I guess Embryo’s plan to perfect the world is the first of possibly many, given how his inordinate focus between the World of Mana and the World of DRAGONs. Kindof disappointing really, as he could have mentioned that he is eager to apply his trade to the rest of the multiverse when he becomes able. Maybe something will come for this in a theatrical movie or extras, as per the last episode preview, but for now it is disappointing. read more

Juu-kuchiby Juu-kuchi•
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Grids of Gotham: My Reviews of Grant Morrison’s Bat-Epic – Part I: Batman and Son

Sibling rivalry.

Look, I love Batman. I’m 31 years old and I’ve been reading Batman comics most of my life, and I’ve read a great deal of them, decades worth, just within the past few years. I have a pretty respectable collection of Batman collected editions, from trade collections to original graphic novels. I’ve seen all the movies, watched most of the TV shows, and I’ve reviewed 51 issues of Batman Eternal (with the final issue to come next week) for my blog. Aside from Japanese animation, and maybe James Bond, my big fictional preoccupation is the Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, the World’s Greatest Detective. I know my Batman. read more

Penguin Truthby Penguin Truth•