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Zero executed?

Lelouch is back, but Zero was executed. Or was he?

The starting of Code Geass R2 was a bit puzzling since everything appeared to be back to normal, with a few exceptions. Lelouch is suddenly being chased by Villetta-sensei and taking off with his brother, Rollo.

Who the heck is Rollo? Where is Nunnally? Why didn’t we know (or saw) Rollo before this? And why is Villetta a teacher in their school?

And before long, something else became apparent. Lelouch doesn’t seem to recall that he was the leader of the Order of the Black Knights, the enigmatic Zero. Which brought us to another question, whatever did happen in the cave after the gunshot with Lelouch, Suzaku and Kallen in there? And why was Lelouch “bait” for C.C.? If they knew Lelouch was Zero, why is it that they sure doesn’t look like they do, and if they didn’t why was he “bait”?

Many fans (and everyone else for that matter) have been waiting for Code Geass R2 and one of our major concerns was to find some answers to what actually happened at the end of the first season. But, instead of getting proper answers, Sunrise actually answered our original questions with even more questions.

When we did find out that Suzaku seemed to have “won” after the gunshot, that Lelouch had his memory somehow altered, that C.C. was still alive and that the few remaining uncaught members of the Black Knight are aware of Zero’s true identity, we get a whole new barrage of questions - the biggest of which is how did Lelouch lose his memory in the first place?

The first episode kinda reminds me of Shana II’s first episode, where it mirrors the events of the first episode from the first season. But unlike Shana II, Code Geass pulled it off magnificently, easily making it the best opening episode of the season. Like the first season, the last couple of minutes is the most exciting. Zero is back, meaner than ever before. And that can only mean one thing - utter destruction.

“It’s good to be back…”

This is just too friggin’ exciting. The once grand Order of the Black Knights had been reduced to almost nothingness but it’s only a matter of time (a very short one) before they will rise again from the ashes, bigger, badder and in blacker uniform than before now that their psychopathic evil genius highly esteemed leader has reawakened.

Are we ready for an even more awesome trainwreck that would put Euphie’s massacre to shame?

Yes, your highness!

In case you didn’t notice, the new OP showed that the Emperor also had Geass, possibly from V.V.?

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OMFG! It’s a Crusader from RO!

By now you should already know that Gonzo has decided to stream 2 of their latest series, The Tower of DRUAGA - the Aegis of URUK - and BLASSREITER online through Crunchyroll, YouTube and BOST TV right after the Japanese debut of each episode. The streaming will allow anyone to enjoy Gonzo’s latest shows for free, while at the same time providing the option to download the high quality version of the episode by donating any amount you like to the studio.

This is truly a step forward in the anime industry, and one I hope many will show their support by donating to download the HQ version. And looking at Crunchyroll, it seems that Gonzo has set very realistic goals to their effort. Apparently, they do not expect fans to donate large sums of money per episode, and even offered an incentive to those who donated USD$2 or more, although its not something which would appeal to everyone.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind paying $2 for each episode I download, and more if the episode was a great one. And I think its a great way to motivate Gonzo to produce better episodes in order to get fire up the fans to donate more and as a signal that the series is taking a downturn when the donation starts to slow down. It’s a direct feedback between fans and the studio, one that will get their attention since it would directly impact their profits.

However, I do have one complain about the downloaded episode. For a file that’s over 300mb, I was expecting a better quality video compared to fansubs, but they are generally the same. And because the link itself is a redirect, that means you can’t use any download managers to resume your download. It took me 2 days to actually download the episode because the file keep showing up as complete halfway. It wasn’t my connection problem either, as Dyna had the same problem I did. This becomes even more of a problem since each link can only be accessed from 5 different IPs, so if you’re ISP is like mine, which gives out dynamic IP and often gives problem, it can be a real headache.

Tengen Top… Oh wait, wrong anime…

The first episode of The Tower of DRUAGA left me very confused. Initially the whole episode seems to be a parody of most generic RPG games, and even the OP animation suggested that they were all playing an MMORPG like in .hack, but the ending as well as the alternate version showed otherwise. Oh, if you didn’t know, there was an alternate version to the first episode of DRUAGA, which shows what actually happened after Jil was knocked unconscious and began his dream. Unfortunately, it’s only available on NicoNico, for now at least. Regardless, DRUAGA has officially caught my interest and gave hope that Gonzo’s effort will not go to waste.

BLASSREITER, on the other hand, was much less appealing. Perhaps what CCY said about adults in anime is true after all. Then again, it could have also been the poorly done CG scenes, or it just looks really bad on Crunchyroll - either way I’ll find out soon enough

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It’s the end of 2007 and it’s time to reflect back on this year’s anime. There are definitely a lot of great new anime that came out this year, and the slice-of-life comedy took many by surprise, making the top 5 or even top 3 of many fan’s list.

Here, in my final post this year, I will go through my top 10 anime of the year, the best of 2007. Everyone’s list is undoubtedly different since no one watches all the same anime and have the same tastes. There are many series which I haven’t watched yet, most notably Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, which I will definitely pick up as soon as possible. So yeah, don’t expect to see them drills here.

#10 - Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge

This is probably one of the most overlooked anime this year and the reason is probably due to the terrible, horrible more unique character design. The storyline is quite random at times and the plot loves to exaggerate on the series theme which focuses on self-acceptance and beauty.

Truly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and YNSH is a lot better than anyone would think just by looking at the character design and plot summary. Although, it would take a couple of episodes to get used to the girly looking bunch of fugly guys who are supposedly the most gorgeous bunch of guys you’ll ever see. Forgive me while I puke.

#9 - Pokemon Diamond & Pearl the Movie: Dialga VS Palkia VS Darkrai

Hah! Bet you didn’t see this one coming

I would have actually went with Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, but thought this would be more appropriate since it’s released this year. While Pokemon is rather repetitive with a very predicted plot, it does still have its charm.

There hasn’t been any decent Pokemon since the 2nd movie, but Lucario and the Mystery of Mew really impressed me a lot. And now I’m even more delighted that the latest movie was not disappointing as well.

While the movie focused on the 2 legendaries from the Diamond and Pearl games, the most intriguing Pokemon is neither the God of Time nor the God of Space, but the infamous Darkrai.

And the Batman-like ending has got to be the best ending for a Pokemon movie ever.

#8 - Clannad

Clannad started out inferior to Da Capo II for me, but it quickly overtook D.C.II which I dropped soon after. CCYoshi might really do something bad to me this time, but Fuko’s arc was really what changed everything for me and with the end of Kotomi’s arc around the corner, I finally understood what the fuss was about when every other anime fan was chanting for its arrival.

Even though I started off liking Tomoyo the best, that is quickly changing as I’m beginning to find Kyou much more attractive. Hopefully Kyou would have an arc of her own, preferably after Tomoyo’s arc. I’ll just have to wait and see.

#7 - Nana

It took me a while to get warmed up to the anime since I had watched the movie first. The starting was just too slow but the flashbacks had ended for both Nana, it really became interesting.

Good character design, great soundtrack and a very solid plot thats hard to predict, it’s no wonder that Nana became a phenomenon in Japan and many other countries. I only wish that there would be a continuation, perhaps in the form of an OAV, to complete the story and bring Nana back to everyone.

Oh, the seiyuus were great as well and this is where I first heard (and saw) Hirano Aya in action XD

#6 - Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations

Even with just a single episode so far, Production I.G. had really, really impressed me with their adaptation for Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle’s OAV. They stuck with the manga very consistently and it already started to hit it off with me the moment the conversation revealed that they had just arrived from Rekord country.

Bee Train almost never follows the manga’s plot properly, often adding plenty of fillers or even changing entire scenes altogether which was why Tsubasa Chronicle was quite disappointing on most parts. But I really do love how they brought the first episode to life, if only they had been more consistent.

A request for CLAMP: Could we have Production I.G. do the 3rd season of the anime instead of Bee Train, pretty please? Other than the slightly off colour of Sakura’s hair, it was perfect.

#5 - Shugo Chara

Now I’m the one surprised to see this here. When the series just started off I had brushed it off as something that will not hold my interest for long, and even called it a crossover between Sailormoon and Care Bears. But Shugo Chara quickly did a chara-nari and stole my heart as well.

It’s too bad that Miki had only transformed once with Amu to become Amulet Spade so far. The chara-nari sequence was really odd with Miki’s blue theme, but thank goodness Amulet Spade isn’t as silly looking as Amulet Clover. I can’t believe that Amu had no comments about her dress either.

I’m pretty sure I read in a few places that Shugo Chara would be 52 episodes long, so despite my initial thoughts that it would be too long, now I only can hope that it will reach that length. We’re only barely at the surface of the seemingly deep and twisted plot.

#4 - History’s Strongest Disciple, Kenichi

Apapapapapa!

From school bullies to thugs to an entire underground organisation and it’s still far from over, the basic plot reminds me of Kotaro Makaritoru. But the similarities ends there and I have found that Kenichi’s plot is ways ahead and much more enjoyable.

There’s almost never a dull moment as the series if full of funny moments and awesome fighting scenes. Starting off by stamina training and learning the basic stances for Jujutsu, Chinese kenpo, Karate, Muay-Thai kickboxing and throw in some weapons training along the way and you can really follow along Kenichi’s growth up to the point where he finally learned the Seikuuken from the Elder.

Kenichi is one of the few series this year that had grabbed me from the very beginning and had me wanting for more even after it had ended. I know that the manga is already pretty far ahead with better story arcs, so there might be a good chance of a sequel.

#3 - Lucky Star

Admittedly, the above screenshot was what got me into watching Lucky Star and I absolutely did not regret it. This is one show that most anime fans would enjoy and all the “food talk” has already been discussed to death many times over so I will not go anywhere near that chocolate cornet.

It’s really surprising how you think you caught all the jokes in any episodes of Lucky Star only to find out later that half the gags had walked pass without you realizing anything had happened at all. Even then, you probably hadn’t grasped 100% of what had been referenced.

The opening theme is the closest rival to Hare Hare Yukai to date and it’s also sang by (almost) the same group of people. Makes you wonder what’s going to come up next from them

One of Lucky Star’s biggest draw is the fact that its the closest slice-of-life series that really depicts our daily life and conversation almost to the dot and puts a smile on your face the next time you find yourself in the same situation again, which really happens a lot in my case. Especially the food part. Okay, okay, no more food talk.

#2 - Code Geass

Up until a couple of months ago, I was certain that Code Geass would become my favourite anime of the year. I consider myself somewhat fortunate for only picking up the series after the last 2 episode for the season had been aired. Otherwise, I might have gone insane waiting for it.

It started off innocently enough but would have had you hooked by the end of the first episode, all thanks to that sudden change of facial expression by Lelouch Lamperouge, or more precisely, Lelouch Vi Britannia was revealed to be his true name.

As 0rion pointed out, Code Geass is the most spectacular trainwreck you’ve ever seen. It’s one that is so well pulled off, you end up really hating what happened, but loving every moment of it. Contradicting, but very true.

With Lelouch and Suzaku finally facing off with each other, and the trigger finally pulled, it makes one wonder how the heck can Code Geass continue for another full season through that mess. Or in my case, if my heart and will is strong enough to pull me through another season without killing myself.

#1 - Chiaki-sama Minami-ke

Chiaki-sama Minami-ke is without a doubt, to me, the best anime of 2007. It’s much more hilarious than Lucky Star and Azumanga Daioh put together and had me rolling all over the floor every week without fail. I have the bruise marks from hitting my bed and wall to prove it.

The gags are almost never reused, unless you count Mako-chan but even then there are always something new. Even the “Sensei! Ninomiya-kun” segments were a barrel of laughters, especially the game parodies. The runaway vehicle gag that keeps aiming for either sensei or Ninomiya-kun is probably the most repeated joke in the series but it was also pulled off beautifully and was not overused.

And all those sexually suggestive scenes. That’s fanservice at its best. Not too much, but it’s always there, trying to lure you in… Which reminds me, I’m gonna have to do a post highlighting all those scenes.

Minami-ke overtook Code Geass as my favourite anime of the year simply because I enjoyed it much more than any other anime this year. Even for my 2006 favourites I had chose to put a series which I enjoyed more, Ouran Host Club, at the top instead of the great Suzumiya Haruhi. I just hope Minami-ke Okawari doesn’t kill it when it starts showing.

With that, 2007 comes to a close, and 2008 promises even more great anime such as the long awaited continuation for both Code Geass and Suzumiya Haruhi. I just hope none of them turns out like Shana II.

Happy 2008 everyone!

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DarkMirage now has first hand confirmation that Odex made a mistake that had lead to all those Odex letters flying off across the globe. Odex is not declaring war after all, at least for now.

“The hell? That was a false alarm!?”

What does this mean?

Here are some of my thoughts:

• Odex really did a mistake. But it goes to show just how infamous they are right now in so little time throughout the world’s anime community.
• Odex isn’t ready to launch a full scale assault, yet. They might really continue where they are leaving off now due to whatever reasons they may have right now.
• Odex screwed up somewhere and have to call the whole thing off. Unlikely, but that was my first thought.
• An elaborate evil ploy to tell anime fans that Odex is watching you and you should not do anything to anger them. Unlikely, but at the same time, very possible.

At any rate, the fact is that letters were sent and they all traced back to Odex. Mistake or not, they have caused an uproar in the community and their name has further degraded. Call it karma, but this incident proves beyond a doubt that every single wrong move that Odex makes will be remembered while their good efforts will be brushed aside like dust on the table. That’s what you get for threatening to sue 9 year old kids.

The Odex bashing will probably stop for the time being. But now the community would most likely keep an eye on their movements and waiting for them to slip and fall hard on their face.

“We’ll turn back… for now.”

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WARNING: Angry rant ahead. I’ve tried to tone it down, but I think it’s still pretty heated. I’m also writing this at 2am, so I’m not going to bother with any spell checks or read through it. You hath been warned.

Odex is back and this time, they are trying to screw not only Singaporean anime fans, but the entire world. What? Yes, you heard that right. Odex probably spent all their Singaporean dollars and decided that its much more profitable to attack where there are more fishes with bigger currencies. This includes USA, France and Japan.

Odex - Now Happily Bashing Fans Worldwide…

This is absurdity of the highest level. A bakayaro of 1000% idiocy reading on Chiaki-sama’s vision. Not only have they lost trust and favor of most anime fans (within Singapore or not), Odex is probably now to anime fans what the Nazi were to the world. And they call themselves anime fans.

I thought I was pissed at them when they started hunting down anime fans like dogs in Singaproe. I was wrong. NOW, I’m pissed.

Downloading fansubs are wrong. Sure. Right. Whatever. We all know that. So instead of making the smart moves, they decide that its far more profitable to kill the fans while they have the chance, profit as much as possible and forget all about anime until their pockets are empty once more. Then they can just repeat the process. After all, illegal downloads will continue regardless of what happens. The music industry has proven it. The movie industry has proven it. What makes anime any different?

There are rumors that Odex wants to start its own online anime service. Based on past experience (I’ve bought Odex releases before when I visited Singapore a few years back) and based on latest feedbacks, they would probably get some low quality video on slow servers and steal some poor fansubs translation and sell them to you at top dollar.

And to ensure that they will have money in their pockets when they launch the new service, they try and take on the world.

Absolutely ridiculous. Spreading their greed and arrogance even into the homeland of anime itself, Japan. Are the Japanese companies making use of Odex’s already destroyed and evil image to do their bidding? If so, Odex must probably be very well compensated.

No matter what they say, it’s still obvious that Odex only looks out for the money. Odex is pulling off the heist of the century, and trying to make it as legal as possible. I don’t know just how legally correct their actions are, but I’m still waiting for them to flop and fail oh so miserably.

Odex VS the world? Hah! Death threats will probably be the least of their worries soon. An utterly despised small time company trying to go against waves of fans throughout the globe. Insanity beyond belief.

Odex will lose.

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