1:1 Full Scale Gundam Unveiled

Posted by Neko Kyou in Gundam on July 31st, 2007

Full Scale Gundam CrisisA real full scale (1:1) Gundam was recently built and unveiled at the Gundam Crisis attraction at Fujikyu Highland, Japan. This 18m tall model is based on the original RX-78 Gundam piloted by Amuro Ray in the first Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam.

While Gundam was never really a stranger to me, I’ve only become a fan with the Seed (C.E.) series. So, obviously I do not really know about most of the other Gundam units that are around, especially not the original Gundam. However, it would still so damn cool to be able to come face to face with a full scale Gundam unit.

You can check out more pictures here. It’s a Japanese site, but I’ve linked it through Google’s language tool. You’ll be able to make sense of the image captions even if the rest of the entry doesn’t.

Now… if only they would make a full scale unit of Freedom… While I highly doubt it, it would be awesome if this starts a new trend of building more 1:1 scale Gundam attractions.

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CLAMP Chronicle IV – Tsubasa Chronicle & xxxHolic

Posted by Neko Kyou in CLAMP, Reviews on July 30th, 2007

Note: A list of links for the entire CLAMP Chronicle series can be found at the end of this post.

Recap –

  1. Magic Knight Rayearth (Released 1994)
  2. CLAMP School Detectives (Released 1995)
  3. Cardcaptor Sakura (Released 1998)
  4. Angelic Layer (Released 2001)
  5. X (2001)
  6. Chobits (2002)

In this final part of the CLAMP Chronicle series, let’s look into the 2 most current and presumably still on-going since the manga is far from over.

Tsubasa Chronicle (Released 2005)

Tsubasa Chronicle

This is one of my favourite, mostly because it features every character that CLAMP had introduced in their previous works before along with new ones such as Kurogane and Fye. The 2 main characters are of course, Syaoran and Sakura.

The story begins with Syaoran and Sakura from an alternate dimension. Sakura is the Clow Country’s princess while Syaoran is the adopted son of an archaeologist. A mysterious power lured Sakura into the ruins just right outside the Clow Country one night and through some events, Sakura’s memories were turned into feathers that scattered across the dimensions. In order to restore Sakura to her old self, King Touya had High Priest Yukito sent Syaoran, with Sakura’s unconscious body in his arms, to meet with Yuuko, the dimensional witch.

Tsubasa Chronicle

At the same time, Kurogane of an alternate Japan was sent by Princess Tomoyo to meet with Yuuko as well, in hopes that Kurogane will learn the true meaning of strength, at the same time placing a curse on him, making him lose a bit of his power whenever he takes a life. In the country of Celes, Fye had just imprisoned King Ashura and decides to flee his world. He transformed Chii into a device that covered King Ashura’s prison and asked that she alert Fye if King Ashura were to escape. He then uses his magical powers to send himself to meet the dimensional witch.

Tsubasa Chronicle

Yuuko runs a shop in Japan (of the Cardcaptor Sakura world) that grants wishes in exchange of something in equal value. Nothing less, and nothing more. The group of 4 who appeared at the same time in front of Yuuko; Syaoran with Sakura, Kurogane and Fye, all had wishes which requires the same thing – to be able to traverse to different worlds and dimensions.

The dimensional witch presented the group with Mokona, a fluffy white bunny like creature, which would aid them in their quests. But in exchange, each of them must give up something of value for the trade.

With that, the party of 4 began traveling across different worlds and meeting different people, sometimes stumbling across familiar faces. Each world they land in presents a different problem which they need to overcome as they go in search of Sakura’s missing feathers. Kurogane, who was reluctant to help at first, began to soften up and even taught Syaoran how to use a weapon.

Tsubasa Chronicle

There are also many cross-references with xxxHolic, with Yuuko playing a key role in the group’s travel. And what’s even more interesting is how the Clow Reed from Cardcaptor Sakura has a hand in all this, and the fact that another Reed is the mastermind behind all Syaoran and Sakura’s struggle. The mystery here gets pretty deep as the story goes on.

It’s really fun to watch the different CLAMP characters making appearances in the series and I’ve actually went back to find and read many of CLAMP’s other works because of Tsubasa Chronicle. It is like the Kingdom Hearts of CLAMP.

I actually prefer the manga over the anime, but the first episode and some of the fillers in the anime were quite nicely done. The Kero-chan episode was really fun to watch. They even got the original seiyuu for Kero-chan which is a major plus.

Grab Tsubasa Chronicle

xxxHolic (Released 2006)

XXXHolic

xxxHolic, simply means something-holic. The xxx is meant as a variable, and the -holic represents the addiction or attachment. For example, alco-holic and worka-holic. That is the basis of the story for most of the episodes in this series.

The story kicks off with Watanuki Kimihiro, a high school boy who can see spirits. While being chased by the spirits one day, he comes across a strange looking house in between city sky scrappers which he had never noticed before and for some reason, his feet start moving on their own and drags him inside the house.

XXXHolic

Inside he meets with Yuuko, the wish granter, and discovers that the house is really a wish-granting shop. After being manipulated by Yuuko, Watanuki founds himself a new part-time job as the shop’s assistant.

Each episode presents someone who visits the shop in order to have their wish granted, and more often than not, the problem they face has something to do with something-holic, such as the tendency to lie. More often than not, Watanuki tries to aid the victims but would usually end up putting himself in danger and not being able to do anything to save the victim. As Yuuko would put it, there’s no such thing as coincidence, only the inevitable. The law of “hitsuzen“, which was first described by Clow Reed in Cardcaptor, is now often repeated by Yuuko as well.

XXXHolic

The anime version isn’t as dark and heavy as its manga counterpart. Some deaths in the manga did not occur in the anime and the victims often escaped with minor consequences. However, death is still an important part of XXXHolic’s theme and shows up every so often, sometimes obvious and other times subtle.

While Tsubasa Chronicle had plenty of cross-reference back to xxxHolic, the link isn’t as obvious from this side. However, there are many subtle hints such as the various times when we see items that Syaoran and co. collected appeared at the most unexpected places at the corners of Yuuko’s shop. The only real direct reference from xxxHolic to Tsubasa Chronicle is during the movie, where Yuuko is shown to exchange the key with Tomoyo’s bell at the end of xxxHolic the Movie – A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Grab xxxHolic

Linking them all…

Tsubasa Chronicle & xxxHolic

The mangas directly linked both Tsubasa Chronicle and xxxHolic together. Every other CLAMP story also became instantly linked with one another through xxxHolic. We also know that the xxxHolic world is the same as the Cardcaptor world, where Clow Reed was originally introduced. And it seems that it all began when Clow Reed and Yuuko met with the Creator Mokona from the Magic Knight series. Based on that, both Clow and Yuuko created the 2 Mokona Modoki, specifically for Syaoran, Sakura, Kurogane and Fye. The link between Clow Reed, Yuuko and Fei Wong Reed is still a mystery, as well as the true identity the Syaoran we know in Tsubasa Chronicle.

Both Tsubasa Chronicle and xxxHolic are still on-going series in its manga version, and hopefully more new seasons will released for the anime. There hasn’t been any news about a new season for either one yet, but it shouldn’t be too long now :)

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Weekly Review #6 – Naruto, Kenichi, Pokemon, Nana, Lucky Star, Yamato Nadeshiko

Posted by Neko Kyou in Weekly Review on July 29th, 2007

Last week I said that I have a feeling this week’s list would be longer. I’ve added Lucky Star to my watch-list this week and while struggling to complete my assignment I’ve managed to watch 15 episodes so far. However, for this week I’ll only do the review up to episode 9 to prevent this from becoming way too long.

Naruto Shippuuden Episode 21

History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi Episode 40

Pokemon Diamond & Pearl Episode 15-17

Nana Episode 45

Lucky Star Episode 1-9

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge Episode 25

Naruto Shippuuden

Episode 21: Sasori’s Face

Rating: 5/10

Naruto Shippuden Episode 21

Sasori finally showed his face… and that’s pretty much it. Pretty boring episode, quite a waste of time really. Next episode seems to be an one hour special, maybe something we’ll finally get to see some real action. Maybe…

History’s Strongest Disciple, Kenichi

Episode 40: The Promised Land! Everything Starts From Here!

Rating: 6/10

History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi Episode 40

Odin is revealed to be Asamiya Ryuto, an old friend of Kenichi. Kenichi, Miu and Ryuto met in front of a candy store many years ago and it is there that they exchanged the badges they carry. A good break from the fights we’ve had for the past few episodes, and a prelude to big battle to come.

Pokemon Diamond & Pearl

Episode 15: A Shape of Things to Come. Kurogane Gym! Hyouta vs Shinji!

Rating: 6/10

Pokemond Diamond & Pearl Episode 15

Shinji took on Hyouta of the Kurogane Gym in a 3 vs 3 battle. I seriously wonder what a gym leader is doing with a Ishitsubute (Geodude) at this point of the anime. But the Zugaidos (Cranidos) and Iwark (Onix) put on a pretty good battle against Elekid and Hikozaru (Chimchar). Not a bad battle, but its either Hyouta was going easy on Shinji or Shinji had not given a chance for Hyouta’s Pokemon to perform more powerful moves. I think its the former…

Episode 16: A Gruff Act to Follow. Cranidos vs Pikachu!

Rating: 6/10

Pokemond Diamond & Pearl Episode 16

This time it’s Satoshi’s turn to battle the gym leader of Kurogane City, but it seems like Hyouta’s Pokemon have leveled up a bit since his battle with Shinji. Why do I say this? Because they were much stronger and faster, performing more powerful moves than they did against Shinji. Satoshi’s first gym battle in Sinnoh and he screwed it up. Great.

Episode 17: Big Charge of Ancient Pokemon! Wild in the Streets

Rating 6/10

Pokemond Diamond & Pearl Episode 17

Team Rocket managed to capture and unleashed a Ptera (Aerodactyl) that begins to attack Kurogane City. Armaldo and Kabutops also broke free from the fossil museum and Satoshi and co. along with Hyouta have to try and stop them, putting them back where they belong. Zugaidos (Cranidos) evolved into Rampard (Rampardos) during the battle, and I’m beginning to wonder how Satoshi could win a Rampard when he can’t even do off with a Zugaidos…

Nana

Episode: 45

Rating: 7/10

Nana Episode 45

So close to the ending, the nonchalant atmosphere seems to be the calm before the storm. After a long separation, it seems that Hachi will finally reunite with Blast members… but somehow I don’t think things will go exactly as planned…

Lucky Star

Episode 1: Speedy Lady

Rating: 7/10

Lucky Star Episode 1

Crap… Konata reminds me so much of me and my own friends it’s creepy… The pure randomness of the anime is strangely similar to what we go through daily as well… After the first episode, I told myself that I think I’m going to like this better than Azumanga Daioh.

Episode 2: Effort and Results

Rating: 7/10

Lucky Star Episode 2

Gosh… It’s almost like looking at myself in the mirror. Spending the entire holiday on an MMORPG and last minute studies for tests. But Konata pulled it off better than I did *sighs* I’m definitely liking Lucky Star.

Did you notice the Galaxy Angel on the magazine Konata was reading and the Hare Hare no Yukai on the Taiko Master in the arcade?

Episode 3: All Kinds of People

Rating: 6/10

Lucky Star Episode 3

If you’ve ever wanted to win a prize in any post-in prize drawings, you gotta watch this episode and learn from Konata 😀 Plenty of good advices from here in this episode. And after wondering for a couple of episodes on how Kagami and Tsukasa can be in the same year despite being sisters I finally realized they were twins… hmm…

Episode 4: Motivation Issues

Rating: 7/10

Lucky Star Episode 4

Yikes. The similiarities I have with Konata can be getting disturbing… Leaving textbooks behind in school and all… It’s cool to have a teacher who plays online games with you, but it’s also a dangerous thing it seems as Konata’s case has proven, especially when you’re both in the same party.

Did you notice… Suzumiya Haruhi’s armband and To Heart school uniform. Not to mention the part when Konata was late for the 2nd time, she was describing a scenario from Kanon when Yuuichi first met Ayu. Uguu~ And Konata gave another excuse from Shuffle’s Mayumi regarding people with flat chests. There’s also a Mayumi poster in Konata’s room. Also an obvious reference to Shin-chan during the cake scene.

Episode 5: Ace Shooter

Rating: 6/10

Lucky Star Episode 5

It’s summer time, that means… Festivals and Yukata! Obvious reference to Pokemon as Kagami caught a goldfish. Is it just me or is Orochimaru’s voice all over the place as miscellaneous characters… And it’s weird how people loves to hum into the fan isn’t it. Lucky Star sure brings out the weirdest habits that many people have…

Did you notice… Saber and Archer on the magazine cover! Konata was humming the tune from Suzumiya Haruhi’s Bouken Desho Desho while playing her MMO. And Yui was wearing a Bonta-kun mask during the festival.

Episode 6: Summer Events

Rating: 8/10

Lucky Star Episode 6

A great Initial D episode… Uhm.. wait, that’s not right. I meant a great Lucky Star episode with the gang going off to the beach for some fun along with Nanako and Yui. Plenty of “girl-talk” and I didn’t manage to catch all the jokes here :( And what the heck is “Timotei, Timotei”?!?! I’m just guessing it’s a shampoo advertisement in Japan.

Did you notice… The song played during the Initial D scene was by Noisy Tribe, the same group that did the opening songs for Initial D 4th Stage. The Full Metal Panic Fumoffu reference with the watermelon?

Episode 7: Image

Rating: 7/10

Lucky Star Episode 7

A lady-like Konata is just so… wrong. But it’s also very entertaining to see the responses she gets while acting that way rofl. The way she speaks kind of reminds me of some other anime, but I can’t seem to put my finger on it.

Did you notice… Kagami mentioned that a new volume of FMP is out!

Episode 8: Don’t Need Me to Have a Blast

Rating: 7/10

Lucky Star Episode 8

It’s sports day at school! I always do enjoy sports day episodes in anime, they’re always fun to watch. Konata’s visualization technique FTW! Does anyone else find that game scene strangely familiar?

Episode 9: Just a Feeling

Rating: 7/10

Lucky Star Episode 9

Again, while it’s cool to have a teacher who plays the same MMO as you do, it can be a bad thing as well… You’ll get lectured even during in-game about your homework and stuff. I never really noticed how short Konata really was until now as she stands right next to Kagami and Tsukasa without being noticed. I wish there was an all you can eat cake buffet here :(

Did you notice… Koi no Mikuru Densetsu (Adventures of Mikuru from Suzumiya Haruhi) and Akira even did the Mikuru beam pose. There’s also a Super Mario Bros reference during the conversation in the next episode preview.

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge

Episode 25: Path to Becoming a Lady

Rating: 7/10

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge Episode 25

Finally get to watch the ending for Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge. Sunako finally met face to face with her aunt after staying in the mansion for so long and tries to turn her into a proper housewife while her aunt tries to turn Sunako into a proper lady. Sunako aunt’s idea of a housewife is interesting to say the least. The best part of this episode is probably the middle and the ending, where Sunako gives it her all to become a proper lady, putting on a beautiful white dress to meet her aunt at the ball. Pretty decent ending, but nothing that’s really funny in this finale.

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CLAMP Chronicle III – X & Chobits

Posted by Neko Kyou in CLAMP, Reviews on July 28th, 2007

Note: A list of links for the entire CLAMP Chronicle series can be found at the end of this post.

Recap –

  1. Magic Knight Rayearth (Released 1994)
  2. CLAMP School Detectives (Released 1995)
  3. Cardcaptor Sakura (Released 1998)
  4. Angelic Layer (Released 2001)

X (Released 2001)

X (CLAMP) Probably CLAMP’s most violent work to date, there are plenty of gore and deaths in the series. The original manga series was put on hold due to the nature of the ending and the natural disasters that had hit Japan at the time.

This happens to be one of CLAMP’s work which I did not read or watch, partly due to the incompleteness of the original story. However, I’ve heard that the story is really great despite the level of blood and violence shown, especially in the manga version.

The story is about a boy, Shiro Kamui, who must choose whether he would join one of the two factions; Dragons of Heaven, to protect humanity or Dragons of Earth, to destroy humanity so that the Earth could be reborn. Kamui chose to join the Dragons of Heaven in order to protect his 2 best friends, but fate had decided that one of them would join the opposing force to go against himself.

While the manga was put on hiatus and had not ended, the anime ended with its own conclusion of the series and only time will tell the accuracy of this ending compared to the manga version.

Grab X/1999

Chobits (Released 2002)

Chobits

One of CLAMP’s funniest so far (it made top 10 in my list of funniest anime), Chobits became a quick hit, especially among the guys. Having such a cute and adorable Persocom like Chii is somewhat a dream come true. And there’s loads of panty jokes too.

Chobits share the same world as Angelic Layer. Set a few years after the end of Angelic Layer, Mihara Ichiro used the technology he had used to create Angels to come up with something much larger, Persocoms. Minoru’s older sister appears to be Kaede from Angelic Layer as well, the user of Blanche.

Chobits
Hideki’s perverted yet innocent ways along with Chii’s naivety makes an excellent duo in this series. The fact that Hideki was a farm boy made it even more hilarious as he is clueless about city life and high-tech gadgets such as Persocoms, often making an idiot of himself in public.

While wishing to own a Persocom, he stumbled upon one which was left near a lamp post along with other thrown out rubbish. Elated with his good luck, he managed to bring the thrown out Persocom home after much effort and spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to activate it.

When he finally managed to do so, he realized that the only thing the Persocom could say was “Chii”, and he decided to call her just that. Since Chii’s memory were lost (or rather, dropped…) Hideki had to teach Chii from the very beginning, including speech. This makes up a major part of the story in the first half of Chobits. The 2nd half of the story revolves around Chii’s mysterious past, who strangely resembles the legendary Chobits 01.

Chobits

Hideki began to pick up clues scattered around regarding Chii’s true identity and finally managed to discover the hidden truth behind the Chobits legend.

Overall a great anime to watch. Interesting and funny plot, it’s quite engaging and anyone who likes anime would probably end up liking Chobits as well.

Grab Chobits

Coming Next…

The final part of CLAMP Chronicle, featuring 2 of CLAMP’s current works which are still on-going, one of which inspired the title of this article series…

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Interesting Links 2

Posted by Neko Kyou in Random Fun on July 28th, 2007

A few more interesting links I’ve found this week 😀

  • GoddessCarlie just posted the 2nd part of her article series about learning what it takes to learn Japanese. Last week she talked about whether Nihongo is right for you, this week she goes about the different learning styles.
  • Bateszi did a post more than a week ago on how anime is dead. No, he’s not talking about “anime”, but the meaning of the word “anime”. It’s quite interesting and well worth the read.
  • Ever wonder if some of the more bizarre looking Pokemon were based on real life creatures found on our lovely Earth? Check the Biology of Pokemon out and learn something new. While some are probably quite obvious, others were just hard to guess. It seems that many are actually based off deep-sea creatures. No wonder they are hard to guess! Who would have guessed that Manaphy and Phione were based off Clione, the elegant looking sea snails?
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