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Dragon Ball Kai – Episode 84 Review

Episode 84, "Training Completed! Does Goku have the Composure to Defeat Cell?!"


*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: People panic over Cell’s announcement and cities evacuate. Kuririn blames himself for the current situation and tries to go fight Cell, but Roshi forbids him. At Kami’s palace, Goku and Gohan emerge from the Room of Spirit and Time, both in their Super Saiyan forms. Bulma discovers that Artificial Human 16 was built soley to kill Goku, but her father assures him that his true nature is gentle. After being caught up on current events, Goku changes back into his usual gi. Piccolo gives Gohan clothing like his. Goku teleports over to Cell in his arena. The two exchange some words and stare each other down. He teleports away. Goku admits he’s not sure he can win, but turns down the opportunity to go in again. He says that he and Gohan are done. Everyone is surprised. Goku and Gohan take off, but stop by Karin’s place. Goku asks Karin to gauge his power and compare it to Cell’s. He powers up, then settles down, saying it’s about half of his energy. Karin says that Cell is still likely more powerful. Goku isn’t surprised or concerned and the two teleport away, leaving Karin to wonder. They appear on Kame Island to get Chi-Chi, who is shocked when she sees her son, thinking he dyed his hair. read more

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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Episode 32 ENGLISH DUB Review

Episode 32, "The Führer President’s Son"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Edward and Alphonse continue looking for Mei and Xaio Mei, but have no luck. Kimbley tracks the movements of Scar and Marcoh, going to the West HQ to investigate. Grumman, in drag, arrives in Central and talks to Mustang at Hughes’ grave. He reveals that he was approached once by General Raven about an "immortal army", but dismissed it and was transferred. The brothers go to the library to research Xingese alchemy. Edward is told by Major Armstrong that Mei was seen headed North, and gives him a letter of introduction to go to the Briggs base, where Major General Armstrong is stationed. Alphonse is approached by Selim Bradley, who is excited to meet the brothers. After a misunderstanding, Ed and Al end up talking to Mrs. Bradley at the presidential house, where King Bradley himself arrives for a short time. After their discussion, Ed and Al hurry off to go north. read more

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Anime Fan Guilt: The Case of the Rabid Anti-Weeaboo

Something I’ve come across quite frequently in anime fandom nowadays is what I consider “anime fan guilt”, wherein a fan of anime, so insecure over the fact that he is a fan of foreign cartoons, completely overcompensates by condemning Japanese things. It’s an interesting phenomenon that at first I was unable to grasp, as I thought at first that it was legitimate criticism of the Japanese culture given by people who were otherwise fans of their animation, reasonable people who liked anime, but weren’t into all things Japanese. However, I soon discovered that this wasn’t the case. This “criticism” became more and more pronounced as I dove deeper into the anime fandom. It became, in short, a parody of itself. read more

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Dragon Ball Kai – Episode 83 Review

Episode 83, "The Television’s Been Hijacked! A Live Broadcast of the Cell Games Press Conference"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Vegeta and Kuririn arrive where Trunks is and he explains what happened. Trunks expresses his desire to return to the Room of Spirit and Time to train again. Vegeta says that it’s not necessary, as after he uses it, he will settle things. Artificial Human 16 wants to take part in Cell’s tournament as well, and requests to be taken to the Capsule Corporation for repairs. Kuririn agrees to this, despite Trunks’ objection. In the Room of Spirit and Time, Goku and Gohan intensify their training in their Super Saiyan forms. Vegeta, Trunks, Kuririn, and 16 arrive at Capsule Corp. Shortly after, Roshi, Chi-Chi, Yamucha, Oolong, Chaozu, and Puar arrive as well. Trunks again explains Cell’s idea. Roshi explains what the Tenkaichi Budoukai was like. Cell creates his tournament ring in a flat area of land. Dr. Brief has difficulty figuring out 16’s structure. Bulma soon arrives, happy that her son from the future is unharmed. Cell takes over a news studio and announces his intentions. He will take on all comers and abide by the tournament rules, with the exception that he will be the only opponent for participants. He claims that if he cannot be beat, he will kill every last person in the world. Then Cell flies off. read more

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Otaku Revolution’s Top 15 Anime Soundtracks: Honorable Mentions


Introduction | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-2 | 1 | Honorable Mentions

So, while indulging in a Mexican standoff (or was it Mexican takeout?) to decide who makes the cut here, the geeks who assembled this list may have had to leave out some soundtracks that, while good, could not be agreed upon to be “the best”. Well, fine, I say. The Philistines who don’t want to see those great works glorified can go die in twelve fires. However, they will not go without mention! No, sir, these soundtracks will get their moment in the sun (actually, I can’t recall what the sun looks like… I need to get out more)! read more

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Otaku Revolution’s Top 15 Anime Soundtracks: Number 1


Introduction | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-2 | 1 | Honorable Mentions

1. Cowboy Bebop (Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts)

Come on, what did you expect for the #1 spot? I’ve never seen an anime that so thoroughly impresses me, that entertains and, at times, even moves me. I guess it’s a little heavy-handed to say that about a cartoon, but I’m sure if you’ve seen it, you wouldn’t say it was a stretch. Likewise, Cowboy Bebop‘s soundtrack is the best I’ve ever heard, of really anything ever. So naturally a space western would have mostly jazz music, right? Uh, well it does, anyway. But if you think you can pin it down so easily, forget it. It runs the gamut from jazz, blues, rock, alternative, country, rock, and pretty much anything you can think of in between. However, it’s never out of place, because the world of Bebop is an eclectic mix of hipsters, dreamers, schemers, criminals, lawmen, geeks, freaks, and whatever the hell that blob thing was (and no, it wasn’t pudding). Accompanying these compositions are vocals from Emily Bindiger, Steve Conte, and Mai Yamane, with lyrics often written by Tim Jensen. Yoko Kanno’s band The Seatbelts is a presence throughout, too. The music is almost a character in itself, and when Cowboy Bebop climaxes, the music goes out with a “Bang.” read more

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Otaku Revolution’s Top 15 Anime Soundtracks: 5-2


Introduction | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-2 | 1 | Honorable Mentions

5. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad (Various, but mostly Beat Crusaders)

It’s no surprise that a TV series about musicians has some great music. What is a surprise is just how many talents were involved in it all. Sure, the majority of the tracks are done by the Beat Crusaders, with their alternative/indie-punkish sound, like White Stripes by way of Blind Melon. But there are contributions by composer Michiru Oshima (Fullmetal Alchemist), The High-Lows, YeLLOW Generation, and even The Pillows. It’s a great soundtrack to the rise of a smalltime band and the feelings of emerging youth. Favorites of mine include the opening theme, “Hit in the USA” and “Moon on the Water”. Sure, a lot of it is Engrish-y, but if you prefer, the English dub offers straight English versions. read more

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Otaku Revolution’s Top 15 Anime Soundtracks: 10-6


Introduction | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-2 | 1 | Honorable Mentions

10. .hack//SIGN (Yuki Kajiura)

Yuki Kajiura, like Yoko Kanno, is a massive talent. Her compositions, as well as her group See-Saw’s work for .hack//SIGN are pretty much the soul highlight of an otherwise boring and fruitless television series. There seems to be a Irish and Celtic influences on much of the soundtrack, as well as use of string instruments. There is a very “new age” feel to the music, but it feels a lot more richly evocative than a lot of new age I’ve heard. Emily Bindiger, who contributed to the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack, also provided vocals here, such as in a favorite track of mine, “Key of the Twilight”. Another favorite is “Fake Wings”. If only the show was as good as the soundtrack. read more

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