Gundam SEED ep.9-17
フレイとキラ
Death of Fllay's father, the event that transforms her from a naive and spoiled girl to a young woman who's seen the cruelty of war firsthand. The sudden catastrophe sends her into a state of extreme shock and causes her to close herself. She was never fond of Coordinator in the beginning, and she blames Kira for not fighting seriously because of his Coordinator status. Then, she hears it, and something starts stirring inside her. The pilot of Aegis is a childhood friend of Kira's.
What can she be thinking when she hears it? That Kira is indeed acting all along in a conspiracy with his Coordinator friend? That Kira is also facing hardship and forced to fight his friend because of the war? That Kira is pitiful being betrayed by his friend and his own people? Whatever her thoughts, her attitude toward Kira changes almost instantly. She realises that she can use Kira as a tool of revenge against Coordinators, the root of the war in her mind.
When they have the chance to leave AA and become normal citizens again, she makes the decision to stay and join the Earth military. Even knowing that she might be the only one staying, she is willing to give anything if it meant to be able to end the war once and for all. What is going on in her mind when she stood in front of Kira's locker peering at the pilot suit? What is she thinking when Kira returns to pilot Strike and doing it for her sake as well? But Kira does come back and is determined to fight. That's enough. She would protect him with her feelings. She would keep him from breaking down in the face of war. She would hold him close to comfort him. She would be the one for him until he died on the battlefield. She would not allow anyone to interfere and come between her and Kira. She would be devoted to Kira and in return have him commit to her resolution.
Times and times again, even in the midst of battles, Kira is constantly reminded of the fact that he is different from everyone else. Just because his friends are onboard AA, he has to fight despite hating it. He has to fight against Athrun. He has to endure the accusation and scorns. He has to kill. He has to carry the burden of other people's expectation and their lives on his young shoulders. Once he fails to protect, he is overwhelmed and gets crushed by the weight. The death of Fllay's father marks the beginning of his mental deterioration. Each consequent failure eats away his sensitive conscious until he can't take it anymore. He is drowning and being sucked into the endless black hole called despair.
But an angel with wings of light pulls him from the terrible darkness. She gives him hope and courage when he feels he can't keep going. She shows him compassion and love when he feels isolated and neglected. She is always by his side. She is his lifeline. She is his guardian angel. The desperation to protect her and the others prompts his SEED mode to awake when AA is trying to enter the atmosphere. After that, his tensed nerves are stretched to the limit all the time. He is eager to fight and destroy so he can protect her and the others.
The relationship between Sai, Fllay, and Kira is starting to turn ugly, and no doubt it would get more complicated with Cagalli back into the scene. The first cours ends with AA landing in ZAFT's territory on Earth, and Kira is going to confront another major influence in his life, Andy Bartfield, very soon.
Character relationship aside, the battle between the 8th Armada and Creuset ships is really something. The scale of the battle and the emotions involved are so intense, it got me glued to the screen and had me thinking, "Where else can you see something like this but in a Gundam show?" Of course, I assume the UC Gundams to be on a similar level. Wing, with just the five brats in their super invincible Gundams, can't even come close.
On a side note, the scene where Lacus appears with the bulge in her stomach is interesting. Sai's comment and the look on Athrun's face are amusing indeed. The comment that they don't need to put out N-jammer anymore is also funny.
Ah, and this time I was able to identify 関 as Fllay's father, 三石 as Yzak's mother, �進藤 as one of the councilors, and �笹沼 in a few other places. And I finally noticed the scene where Kira's mother was shown holding two babies. For a show as complex and integrated as Gundam SEED, maybe watching it only now is better as I've learned more about it in the past year.
Lastly, Natarle is gotta be the most beautiful woman in the whole series!! XD I wonder when Maryu and Fraga developed their relationship? And the idea of a Goddess of Victory is also very stimulating... まぁ、ここまで以上だ。
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Monday, August 30, 2004
Sunday, August 29, 2004
カウボーイビバップ完食(第二次)。
"The work, which becomes a new genre itself, will be called Cowboy Bebop."
And it is indeed a new genre in itself, what with its unique blend of beautiful art style and choreography, jazzy music from Kanno Yoko, and subtle yet significant amount of philosophy. The seiyuu cast isn't bad, either.
I have to admit, though, that I'm not that much impressed nor captivated by the story. The whole show oozes a feeling of melancholy and foreshadows the poignant ending, and I am not one to be charmed by angst. In addition, I find the lack of interaction between the main cast unappealing. They live on the same ship, yet they pretty much mind their own business except the occasional teasing and scolding.
I guess A- for presentation and B- for content, so overall: B~B+
"The work, which becomes a new genre itself, will be called Cowboy Bebop."
And it is indeed a new genre in itself, what with its unique blend of beautiful art style and choreography, jazzy music from Kanno Yoko, and subtle yet significant amount of philosophy. The seiyuu cast isn't bad, either.
I have to admit, though, that I'm not that much impressed nor captivated by the story. The whole show oozes a feeling of melancholy and foreshadows the poignant ending, and I am not one to be charmed by angst. In addition, I find the lack of interaction between the main cast unappealing. They live on the same ship, yet they pretty much mind their own business except the occasional teasing and scolding.
I guess A- for presentation and B- for content, so overall: B~B+
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Friday, August 27, 2004
With much reluctance, we left the camp site and returned home. Mum already left for the States while I was on the bus so I came home to find the cat alone.
Apparently, we ate too well at the summer camp. I was shocked when I stepped on the balance and found myself at a new high. -__-
*taken from my post in the Gundam SEED DESTINY thread at AX.com*
Ooh, the shades... Athrun didn't even wear a mask before, how is that little thing going to help conceal his identity? Or is it just for the sake of looks?
Neo Roanoke's mask looks like a mix of Creuset and Zechs, and he feels too much like Creuset for comfort. He's ranked colonel, btw.
Haven't finished SEED so I'm not very familiar with the clone thing except that there's some kind of relationship between Fllaga and Creuset. I find it interesting how the roles (as far as seiyuu is concerned) seem to reverse in DESTINY regarding the blond and the masked man. Rey is a Coordinator and there has yet to be any background info on Neo. That aside, I think Seki Toshihiko and Koyasu Takehito are fine choices for two of the major players.
Remember the Millennium Gundam I mentioned once before? The Athrun scan done in April indicated that he is slated to be the pilot of Millennium Gundam. It is still unclear whether Millennium is the name for the rough draft Saviour or a later unit like Destiny. It also says "18 years old; ZAFT."
For some reason, I have a feeling that Cagalli is not going to survive, and that's when Athrun returns to ZAFT (in name, not in allegiance) and pilots ZAFT's Gundam. That might explain why Lunamaria is shown together with Athrun instead of Cagalli (thinking of the SEED OP where Nicol stops appearing because he is going to die soon). I have yet to see First Attack so this is just my guess after seeing Zero Attack.
Apparently, we ate too well at the summer camp. I was shocked when I stepped on the balance and found myself at a new high. -__-
*taken from my post in the Gundam SEED DESTINY thread at AX.com*
Ooh, the shades... Athrun didn't even wear a mask before, how is that little thing going to help conceal his identity? Or is it just for the sake of looks?
Neo Roanoke's mask looks like a mix of Creuset and Zechs, and he feels too much like Creuset for comfort. He's ranked colonel, btw.
Haven't finished SEED so I'm not very familiar with the clone thing except that there's some kind of relationship between Fllaga and Creuset. I find it interesting how the roles (as far as seiyuu is concerned) seem to reverse in DESTINY regarding the blond and the masked man. Rey is a Coordinator and there has yet to be any background info on Neo. That aside, I think Seki Toshihiko and Koyasu Takehito are fine choices for two of the major players.
Remember the Millennium Gundam I mentioned once before? The Athrun scan done in April indicated that he is slated to be the pilot of Millennium Gundam. It is still unclear whether Millennium is the name for the rough draft Saviour or a later unit like Destiny. It also says "18 years old; ZAFT."
For some reason, I have a feeling that Cagalli is not going to survive, and that's when Athrun returns to ZAFT (in name, not in allegiance) and pilots ZAFT's Gundam. That might explain why Lunamaria is shown together with Athrun instead of Cagalli (thinking of the SEED OP where Nicol stops appearing because he is going to die soon). I have yet to see First Attack so this is just my guess after seeing Zero Attack.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Monday, August 23, 2004
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Mum's tennis friends came over for a pot luck feast. Needless to say, we were busy preparing food before the guests arrived. Just as we were almost done with everything but the clean-up, the sink pipe was plugged. -__- Luckily, it was fixed after we called for someone.
Anyhow, the feast was good. Though I didn't have much as I was eager to return to the solitude of my room. No, I am not anti-social. Not that much, anyway. I had assignments to finish so I could go to the summer camp guilt-free.
They left some curry chicken and ribs (I loved the ribs, btw) for us afterwards. I suppose that would be Mum's staple when I'm off to the summer camp, and if there's any left, those'd be mine after I come back as Mum won't be here...
Anyhow, the feast was good. Though I didn't have much as I was eager to return to the solitude of my room. No, I am not anti-social. Not that much, anyway. I had assignments to finish so I could go to the summer camp guilt-free.
They left some curry chicken and ribs (I loved the ribs, btw) for us afterwards. I suppose that would be Mum's staple when I'm off to the summer camp, and if there's any left, those'd be mine after I come back as Mum won't be here...
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Friday, August 20, 2004
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Monday, August 16, 2004
Finally decided to dig out the Inu Yasha CD spindle and started a futile attempt at catching up. The anime is going to end in a month or so, and I'm, what, only about 50 episodes behind? It's not very exciting especially considering the fact that I've read past this point in the manga a long time ago.
No, no, I'm definitely not bashing the show; just berating myself for slacking off and being lazy like usual. Hopefully I'll get to finish the series this year so I can start on the other series that I have saved to watch. I really want to watch Wolf's Rain, RahXephon, Noir, Planetes, Scryed, Uchuu no Stellvia, and.....
No, no, I'm definitely not bashing the show; just berating myself for slacking off and being lazy like usual. Hopefully I'll get to finish the series this year so I can start on the other series that I have saved to watch. I really want to watch Wolf's Rain, RahXephon, Noir, Planetes, Scryed, Uchuu no Stellvia, and.....
Sunday, August 15, 2004
*taken from my post in the Gundam SEED DESTINY thread at AX.com*
Finally saw the Zero Attack promo.
Lacus seems to have two costumes. The one she's seen dancing with isn't exactly the same as the revealing one. She appears to be the only character with large enough endowment to have them shaking when she moves. That's somewhat a comfort. -__-
I'm not very keen on the idea of Impulse having different parts and then merging together, but I like Gaia's transformation, which is the only one I'm interested in so far. From the looks of it, at least the first half will take place on earth and hence the transformability of the units; depending on the size of Armory One, it could be Earth or any of the PLANTs.
It is still not officially confirmed, but the only one shown without a unit is Athrun, and Saviour isn't shown either, so the rumour of Athrun piloting Saviour still stands. Interestingly, Athrun is shown with Lunamaria, kinda like the 1st SEED OP where he is with Cagalli though with less interaction.
The OP "ignited" is typical as far as T.M.R. goes. A section of the song sounds very much like a section of "zip", which is played as an insert in the SEED special edition one.
The transition from SEED to SEED DESTINY is clear as indicated by the main character's names: Yamato -> Asuka (both are names for Japanese era in ancient times). Lacus, as the leader of the "winning faction" from the previous phase, might play a part in helping to unify the sides. I'd like to see what Kira is doing. Is he going to just stay in the back and quietly watch the events unfold, or is he going to step out sometime during the series to testify or even lend a hand? I'd also like to see what part Yzak and Dearka are going to play as they were directly involved with the previous war (and the potential of Dearka/Milliaria). Since SEED DESTINY focuses on a broader scale, characters representing different aspects of the society will no doubt be important.
It's probably just me, but the narrator sounds like Okiayu Ryotaro (seiyuu of Andy Bartfield) to me...
Finally saw the Zero Attack promo.
Lacus seems to have two costumes. The one she's seen dancing with isn't exactly the same as the revealing one. She appears to be the only character with large enough endowment to have them shaking when she moves. That's somewhat a comfort. -__-
I'm not very keen on the idea of Impulse having different parts and then merging together, but I like Gaia's transformation, which is the only one I'm interested in so far. From the looks of it, at least the first half will take place on earth and hence the transformability of the units; depending on the size of Armory One, it could be Earth or any of the PLANTs.
It is still not officially confirmed, but the only one shown without a unit is Athrun, and Saviour isn't shown either, so the rumour of Athrun piloting Saviour still stands. Interestingly, Athrun is shown with Lunamaria, kinda like the 1st SEED OP where he is with Cagalli though with less interaction.
The OP "ignited" is typical as far as T.M.R. goes. A section of the song sounds very much like a section of "zip", which is played as an insert in the SEED special edition one.
The transition from SEED to SEED DESTINY is clear as indicated by the main character's names: Yamato -> Asuka (both are names for Japanese era in ancient times). Lacus, as the leader of the "winning faction" from the previous phase, might play a part in helping to unify the sides. I'd like to see what Kira is doing. Is he going to just stay in the back and quietly watch the events unfold, or is he going to step out sometime during the series to testify or even lend a hand? I'd also like to see what part Yzak and Dearka are going to play as they were directly involved with the previous war (and the potential of Dearka/Milliaria). Since SEED DESTINY focuses on a broader scale, characters representing different aspects of the society will no doubt be important.
It's probably just me, but the narrator sounds like Okiayu Ryotaro (seiyuu of Andy Bartfield) to me...
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Gundam SEED DESTINY (Source: シャア専用ブログ)
From Yamato to Asuka (大和から飛鳥へ). First, the story of Kira Yamato was raised and started. If AA didn't become Kira's place of belonging (居場所), what would have happened? Maybe he'd join ZAFT when Athrun persuaded him and fight to the death for the sake of protecting peace of that place of belonging with Athrun, becoming the ace of shooting down enemy units and feared by the EA soldiers?
Shin Asuka is in a similar situation. Because of the war in Orb, he no longer has a place of belonging and drifts to PLANT. He applies for ZAFT and trains himself with all his might to be the top, so that he can have revenge on those who took away his place of belonging. He is also fighting to protect his place of belonging now.
Shin Asuka is possibly another Kira.
Two years after SEED where Orb was involved in the war damage and caused the lost of his parents and younger sister, Shin acts as the bodyguard of ZAFT Supreme Council Chairman Dullindal. However, Armoury One is under mysterious attack. In order to protect Dullindal, Shin boards the Gundam and witness the mysterious event unfold. With unknown motive for serving in the military and always carrying around a memento of his younger sister, his private life is surrounded by mystery.
Unlikely Athrun who's had special education to hone his talents since little, Shin must have paid much effort to get to the position of bodyguard of the Supreme Council Chairman during the two years. What purpose does he have for such endeavour?
He's meeting Athrun and Cagalli at an early stage. Since Cagalli's father was the Representative Leader of Orb when his family died, what kind of relationship would he have with Cagalli?
From Yamato to Asuka (大和から飛鳥へ). First, the story of Kira Yamato was raised and started. If AA didn't become Kira's place of belonging (居場所), what would have happened? Maybe he'd join ZAFT when Athrun persuaded him and fight to the death for the sake of protecting peace of that place of belonging with Athrun, becoming the ace of shooting down enemy units and feared by the EA soldiers?
Shin Asuka is in a similar situation. Because of the war in Orb, he no longer has a place of belonging and drifts to PLANT. He applies for ZAFT and trains himself with all his might to be the top, so that he can have revenge on those who took away his place of belonging. He is also fighting to protect his place of belonging now.
Shin Asuka is possibly another Kira.
Two years after SEED where Orb was involved in the war damage and caused the lost of his parents and younger sister, Shin acts as the bodyguard of ZAFT Supreme Council Chairman Dullindal. However, Armoury One is under mysterious attack. In order to protect Dullindal, Shin boards the Gundam and witness the mysterious event unfold. With unknown motive for serving in the military and always carrying around a memento of his younger sister, his private life is surrounded by mystery.
Unlikely Athrun who's had special education to hone his talents since little, Shin must have paid much effort to get to the position of bodyguard of the Supreme Council Chairman during the two years. What purpose does he have for such endeavour?
He's meeting Athrun and Cagalli at an early stage. Since Cagalli's father was the Representative Leader of Orb when his family died, what kind of relationship would he have with Cagalli?
Friday, August 13, 2004
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
I've decided that ニニンがシノブ伝 2X2=SHINOBUDEN is worth the time. No, it doesn't have any content whatsoever. It's just so stupid, it's funny. Though, I most likely wouldn't bother continuing it if it isn't for the cast as mentioned before. That might explain why I never bothered with Azumanga Daioh after 15 minutes into the first episode. Kuwashima Houko as Kagura wasn't enough to keep me watching, not to mention that she doesn't even have much screen time.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
*mostly taken from my post in the SEED DESTINY thread on AX.com after seeing the 15-sec CM*
...Is that ugly grey thing going to be the main ship?? Why did they have to stick with the blocky and clunky 3D models? >__<
Rey is the mysterious bishi as he obviously has some connection with the masked guy in the CM. Interesting how he is piloting a commander class Zaku Phantom but is of the same rank as Shin and Lunamaria.
Meyrin looks even more like Fllay than her older sister. *sniff* I miss Fllay.
I just noticed that the ZAFT belt Stellar wears is the same type worn by the Elites, if that means anything?
...Is that ugly grey thing going to be the main ship?? Why did they have to stick with the blocky and clunky 3D models? >__<
Rey is the mysterious bishi as he obviously has some connection with the masked guy in the CM. Interesting how he is piloting a commander class Zaku Phantom but is of the same rank as Shin and Lunamaria.
Meyrin looks even more like Fllay than her older sister. *sniff* I miss Fllay.
I just noticed that the ZAFT belt Stellar wears is the same type worn by the Elites, if that means anything?
Gundam SEED DESTINY update
After Azrael's death, it is unclear as to what the anti-Coordinator organisation Blue Cosmos is doing now. Sting, Auel, and Stellar sneaked into PLANT the night before the launch of the new ZAFT battleship. Stellar shows of extraordinary strength when fighting. The motive of having EA pilots boarding ZAFT-made Gundam is yet unknown.
Gilbert Dullindal sets out for Armoury One for the launch of the ship. Shin accompanies Dullindal as his bodyguard and the official pilot of Impulse Gundam. New Type says that Shin is 17, though other sources say he is 16.
[mecha]
Gunner Zaku Warrior (ガナーザクウォーリア), ZGMF-1000/A1, the artillery version of Zaku Warrior, carries the high energy and long-range beam cannon 'M1500 Orthos' and large capacity energy tank on its back; boasts of robust firepower. Standard colour is green, while personal colour is only permitted for ace pilots and commander class.
Slash Zaku Phantom (スラッシュザクファントム), ZGMF-1001/K1, the high-end model for Zaku Phantom commander class pilots; equipped for close-up combats with Gatling beam cannon on both shoulders and a giant beam axe by its waist.
Blaze Zaku Phantom (ブレイズザクファントム), ZGMF-1001, one of the armoured variation of Zaku Phantom. Slash is probably used for hand to hand combat and Blaze for artillery combat.
Minerva (ミネルバ), ZAFT's space battleship for transporting the new MS Gundam; equipped with Dutolion beam transmitter to supply Impulse Gundam with energy; armed with numerous weapons and has high combat power. Its appearance gives the impression of a set of bow and arrow.
Gati Ru (ガーティー・ルー), mothership of the Special Task Force; the shape and armament are clearly that of the Earth Alliance, but it's yet unknown to which faction it belongs; equipped with the Mirage Colloid, which violates the Junius Treaty.
[character]
Rey Za Burrel (レイ・ザ・バレル), a blond bishounen onboard Minerva; possesses high fighting ability and pilots a commander class Zaku Phantom even though he isn't ranked as one; rarely loses his cool.
Talia Gladys (タリア・グラディス), captain of the new ZAFT battleship Minerva, exhibits determination and courage.
Meyrin Hawke (メイリン・ホーク), younger sister of Lunamaria; in charge of communication control of Minerva; has the image of a nice and cute girl.
After Azrael's death, it is unclear as to what the anti-Coordinator organisation Blue Cosmos is doing now. Sting, Auel, and Stellar sneaked into PLANT the night before the launch of the new ZAFT battleship. Stellar shows of extraordinary strength when fighting. The motive of having EA pilots boarding ZAFT-made Gundam is yet unknown.
Gilbert Dullindal sets out for Armoury One for the launch of the ship. Shin accompanies Dullindal as his bodyguard and the official pilot of Impulse Gundam. New Type says that Shin is 17, though other sources say he is 16.
[mecha]
Gunner Zaku Warrior (ガナーザクウォーリア), ZGMF-1000/A1, the artillery version of Zaku Warrior, carries the high energy and long-range beam cannon 'M1500 Orthos' and large capacity energy tank on its back; boasts of robust firepower. Standard colour is green, while personal colour is only permitted for ace pilots and commander class.
Slash Zaku Phantom (スラッシュザクファントム), ZGMF-1001/K1, the high-end model for Zaku Phantom commander class pilots; equipped for close-up combats with Gatling beam cannon on both shoulders and a giant beam axe by its waist.
Blaze Zaku Phantom (ブレイズザクファントム), ZGMF-1001, one of the armoured variation of Zaku Phantom. Slash is probably used for hand to hand combat and Blaze for artillery combat.
Minerva (ミネルバ), ZAFT's space battleship for transporting the new MS Gundam; equipped with Dutolion beam transmitter to supply Impulse Gundam with energy; armed with numerous weapons and has high combat power. Its appearance gives the impression of a set of bow and arrow.
Gati Ru (ガーティー・ルー), mothership of the Special Task Force; the shape and armament are clearly that of the Earth Alliance, but it's yet unknown to which faction it belongs; equipped with the Mirage Colloid, which violates the Junius Treaty.
[character]
Rey Za Burrel (レイ・ザ・バレル), a blond bishounen onboard Minerva; possesses high fighting ability and pilots a commander class Zaku Phantom even though he isn't ranked as one; rarely loses his cool.
Talia Gladys (タリア・グラディス), captain of the new ZAFT battleship Minerva, exhibits determination and courage.
Meyrin Hawke (メイリン・ホーク), younger sister of Lunamaria; in charge of communication control of Minerva; has the image of a nice and cute girl.
Monday, August 09, 2004
Hunter x Hunter OVA 2 完食。
Since I skipped OVA 1, the first few episodes were a bit confusing, but once they got into the game itself, everything went smoothly. One word: sugoi! The setting is quite interesting and not unlike an online RPG. Greed Island seemed like The World at first, where players could actually die from playing, but it's different in its own way. The card system looked interesting enough and would probably result in a spin-off trading card game. Makes me wanna go back to KK once more. Gotta remember to install Zmud someday...
Something else that's very interesting was the special feature that demostrate the process of how the show was animated. From initial character design, story board, actually drawings, colouring, editing, voice over, BGM, etc. As usual, I was amazed by the seiyuu. Out of the four main characters, three are voiced by female seiyuu. I didn't even find any of them annoying or inappropriate. Sugoi desu.
Since I skipped OVA 1, the first few episodes were a bit confusing, but once they got into the game itself, everything went smoothly. One word: sugoi! The setting is quite interesting and not unlike an online RPG. Greed Island seemed like The World at first, where players could actually die from playing, but it's different in its own way. The card system looked interesting enough and would probably result in a spin-off trading card game. Makes me wanna go back to KK once more. Gotta remember to install Zmud someday...
Something else that's very interesting was the special feature that demostrate the process of how the show was animated. From initial character design, story board, actually drawings, colouring, editing, voice over, BGM, etc. As usual, I was amazed by the seiyuu. Out of the four main characters, three are voiced by female seiyuu. I didn't even find any of them annoying or inappropriate. Sugoi desu.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Hunter x Hunter 完食。
Not bad... is what I'd like to say. There are certainly good moments, but what's with all the loose threads in the end?!（ノ`Д´）ノ～～┴───┴
What about the Shadow Band? Did people really think they're gone? What about Kurapika? What about Kirua's brother and the game? What about Gon's search for his father? What's the relationship between Hisoka and Irumi? What--
Anyway, even though I don't know a single seiyuu in here, it's perfectly fine for me (I don't know anyone from Wolf's Rain as well --1 episode so far-- but I love it). The art is nice and refreshing with no fan service whatsoever. Well, some people might argue otherwise and point out the potential for yaoi, but I believe it's pure friendship between guys.
If I really have to decide, my favourite character would probably be Kirua. I wouldn't be surprised if he is popular. *shrug* Irumi seems stoic, but I actually find him amusing in a childish way, especially in the last episode. He isn't a bad guy, after all.
So I guess I'll give it a... B for overall.
Not bad... is what I'd like to say. There are certainly good moments, but what's with all the loose threads in the end?!（ノ`Д´）ノ～～┴───┴
What about the Shadow Band? Did people really think they're gone? What about Kurapika? What about Kirua's brother and the game? What about Gon's search for his father? What's the relationship between Hisoka and Irumi? What--
Anyway, even though I don't know a single seiyuu in here, it's perfectly fine for me (I don't know anyone from Wolf's Rain as well --1 episode so far-- but I love it). The art is nice and refreshing with no fan service whatsoever. Well, some people might argue otherwise and point out the potential for yaoi, but I believe it's pure friendship between guys.
If I really have to decide, my favourite character would probably be Kirua. I wouldn't be surprised if he is popular. *shrug* Irumi seems stoic, but I actually find him amusing in a childish way, especially in the last episode. He isn't a bad guy, after all.
So I guess I'll give it a... B for overall.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
輸了。今天早上的意志力戰大敗、所以就沒去了。其實我很想去的、不要那麼早就好了。T__T
Spent a few good hours watching Hunter x Hunter. Not bad. I've heard much hype about it but never got around to watch it or bothered to. I have the weird tendency of not going with the flow on purpose.
Anyway, I'm halfway through the TV series, so far so good. The series doesn't focus on Gon alone, which is good. I was afraid I would turn out disliking the main character as in many other series (Saint Seiya and Granzort come to mind), but everyone's been likeable so far. Well, except for that annoying two-timing Rookie Killer Tompa.
Spent a few good hours watching Hunter x Hunter. Not bad. I've heard much hype about it but never got around to watch it or bothered to. I have the weird tendency of not going with the flow on purpose.
Anyway, I'm halfway through the TV series, so far so good. The series doesn't focus on Gon alone, which is good. I was afraid I would turn out disliking the main character as in many other series (Saint Seiya and Granzort come to mind), but everyone's been likeable so far. Well, except for that annoying two-timing Rookie Killer Tompa.
Friday, August 06, 2004
基於要去從來沒去過的地方參加講座、今天起了個大早、結果比預期的時間要早到了快一個小時。本想坐在瞭望窗旁寫些東西的、不料一個人走過來、眼神跟我對上、開口就叫出我的名字、果然是跟我同期的、早知道我出門前也該看一下個人資料好認人。不過想想我是登記參加者裡唯一的東方人、不用看照片也知道是我。
總之、有幾個人陸陸續續過來、主持講座的已退休教授(也是本 program 的頭頭)也出現了、六個人在瞭望窗那裡聊了起來、九點半正式開始的時候才進講室。
今天的內容沒什麼、主要就是討論如何改善 program、問問大家 GIS 的經驗值多高 (如果說以十個等級來分、而我是等級零的話、離我最近的也有等級五)、討論 final project 跟碩士論文的要求跟可能性。也許是因為昨晚睡不到五個小時、頭頭在講的時候必須強撐才不會打瞌睡、總之有點辛苦。
講座結束後大家晃了一下就移師到後面的一間餐館、SFU 要請所有參加者吃飯。坐定後大家分別跟自己對面的人聊了起來、我對面是已經在 Nunavut 待了很多年並留著違反常理的鬍子的教師、他旁邊是從敘利亞到 Edmonton 工作三年的電腦程式設計師。其他人大多是聊 GIS 相關的工作話題之類的、我們是聽那個教師講北方原住民的習性跟那裡的生活、等他轉移陣地到別桌後、我跟那個敘利亞人才開始聊天。據說他是第一次遇見從台灣來的人、表現地相當興奮、看我戴著十字架又興致勃勃地跟我討論起宗教。我是不反對跟你聊這個啦、不過你可以不要以你對印度教跟最開始的天主教的認知來評論中國的儒道佛跟基督教好嗎？-__-
漫長的用餐時間 (從進餐館等到離開共三小時多) 終於結束了、大家也各自分道揚鑣、準備明天再齊聚一堂聽 (應該會比較有趣的) presentation。因為難得到 downtown、當然要跑一趟圖書館、於是匆匆忙忙地趕過去、隨便抓了幾本書就聽到要關門在催人的廣播了。結果借的都是日文書:超級機器人大戰 F 完結編 Perfect Guide、羅德斯島戰記英雄騎士傳漫畫 2 & 4、機動戰士鋼彈 MS 戰記漫畫。
早上七點半出門、回到家的時候已經十點多了。上網跟沒能參加的同學延續團體報告的討論、之後又這邊弄弄、那邊看看、又是跟平常差不多時間上床。看來明天早上又要經過一番大掙扎跟意志力戰了。
總之、有幾個人陸陸續續過來、主持講座的已退休教授(也是本 program 的頭頭)也出現了、六個人在瞭望窗那裡聊了起來、九點半正式開始的時候才進講室。
今天的內容沒什麼、主要就是討論如何改善 program、問問大家 GIS 的經驗值多高 (如果說以十個等級來分、而我是等級零的話、離我最近的也有等級五)、討論 final project 跟碩士論文的要求跟可能性。也許是因為昨晚睡不到五個小時、頭頭在講的時候必須強撐才不會打瞌睡、總之有點辛苦。
講座結束後大家晃了一下就移師到後面的一間餐館、SFU 要請所有參加者吃飯。坐定後大家分別跟自己對面的人聊了起來、我對面是已經在 Nunavut 待了很多年並留著違反常理的鬍子的教師、他旁邊是從敘利亞到 Edmonton 工作三年的電腦程式設計師。其他人大多是聊 GIS 相關的工作話題之類的、我們是聽那個教師講北方原住民的習性跟那裡的生活、等他轉移陣地到別桌後、我跟那個敘利亞人才開始聊天。據說他是第一次遇見從台灣來的人、表現地相當興奮、看我戴著十字架又興致勃勃地跟我討論起宗教。我是不反對跟你聊這個啦、不過你可以不要以你對印度教跟最開始的天主教的認知來評論中國的儒道佛跟基督教好嗎？-__-
漫長的用餐時間 (從進餐館等到離開共三小時多) 終於結束了、大家也各自分道揚鑣、準備明天再齊聚一堂聽 (應該會比較有趣的) presentation。因為難得到 downtown、當然要跑一趟圖書館、於是匆匆忙忙地趕過去、隨便抓了幾本書就聽到要關門在催人的廣播了。結果借的都是日文書:超級機器人大戰 F 完結編 Perfect Guide、羅德斯島戰記英雄騎士傳漫畫 2 & 4、機動戰士鋼彈 MS 戰記漫畫。
早上七點半出門、回到家的時候已經十點多了。上網跟沒能參加的同學延續團體報告的討論、之後又這邊弄弄、那邊看看、又是跟平常差不多時間上床。看來明天早上又要經過一番大掙扎跟意志力戰了。
Thursday, August 05, 2004
ニニンがシノブ伝 2X2=SHINOBUDEN The nonsense KUNOICHI fiction.
Just like the complete name says, it is totally nonsense and pointless. But at least I got through the 1st episode rather than turning away after watching half of it as in the case of あずまんが大王. Plus the seiyuu cast isn't too bad (川澄綾子、関智一、若本規夫), and the ninja design is so very cute! XD
Whether it would be as entertaining as せんせいのお時間 is yet to be seen, as I've only watched the 1st episode so far. We'll see.
Speaking of せんせいのお時間, I haven't seen it and 絢爛舞踏祭 ザ・マーズ・デイブレイク for a long time now... >____<
On a side note, I finally set up the speaker after it was exchanged. The base is really loud, but so far satisfatory.
Just like the complete name says, it is totally nonsense and pointless. But at least I got through the 1st episode rather than turning away after watching half of it as in the case of あずまんが大王. Plus the seiyuu cast isn't too bad (川澄綾子、関智一、若本規夫), and the ninja design is so very cute! XD
Whether it would be as entertaining as せんせいのお時間 is yet to be seen, as I've only watched the 1st episode so far. We'll see.
Speaking of せんせいのお時間, I haven't seen it and 絢爛舞踏祭 ザ・マーズ・デイブレイク for a long time now... >____<
On a side note, I finally set up the speaker after it was exchanged. The base is really loud, but so far satisfatory.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Uncle Jim, after fighting against cancer for nearly half a year, passed away yesterday late afternoon. They have been family friends for the longest time, and even though I am not overly close to them, tears rolled down my cheek as I read the news. It is somewhat comforting to know that Uncle Jim was baptised sometime back and should be peacefully in His arms now.
This kind of news isn't news anymore as more family friends and relatives get older. What scares me the most is where they would go if they never accepted Christ.....
Ganbatte kudasai, Yvonne-obasan! Soshite, Iesu-sama no soba ni irunasai. Soshidara, mada tengoku ni au yo, kitto.
This kind of news isn't news anymore as more family friends and relatives get older. What scares me the most is where they would go if they never accepted Christ.....
Ganbatte kudasai, Yvonne-obasan! Soshite, Iesu-sama no soba ni irunasai. Soshidara, mada tengoku ni au yo, kitto.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Airport, the avoided frontier. This is the voyage of the 8-year-old Mazda, its struggle to escape home safely, to search for the one correct route, to unwillingly map out new regions no one has gone before. ♪
Heh, no matter how many times I've been there, I seem to take a different road every time. Here's the most current one: leave parkade, took a wrong right turn due to unclear sign, turn back in time to pass the 1st stage, missed the exit to connect to another highway due to unclear sign, noticed something's wrong and finally got off at Stevenson Hwy -- I was already going toward the tunnel, got to the end of the road and studied the map, en route back to the major highway, missed the exit to connect to another highway due to lack of sign (though I was thinking of turning here at first), u-turned in a church parking lot, took the turn, finally entered familiar territory and got home from there.
And I had the strangest deja vu, as if I had taken some, if not all, of the wrong turns before. -___-
Che, I'm going there again Sunday evening, huh? It's going to be dark when I try to find the right road, huh? At least Mum will be in the car so I might have a better chance of finding that critical exit that I never took.
Heh, no matter how many times I've been there, I seem to take a different road every time. Here's the most current one: leave parkade, took a wrong right turn due to unclear sign, turn back in time to pass the 1st stage, missed the exit to connect to another highway due to unclear sign, noticed something's wrong and finally got off at Stevenson Hwy -- I was already going toward the tunnel, got to the end of the road and studied the map, en route back to the major highway, missed the exit to connect to another highway due to lack of sign (though I was thinking of turning here at first), u-turned in a church parking lot, took the turn, finally entered familiar territory and got home from there.
And I had the strangest deja vu, as if I had taken some, if not all, of the wrong turns before. -___-
Che, I'm going there again Sunday evening, huh? It's going to be dark when I try to find the right road, huh? At least Mum will be in the car so I might have a better chance of finding that critical exit that I never took.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Gundam SEED ep.1-8
Poor Kira, not wanting to fight yet forced to. Not to mention he's facing some serious identity crisis. Most of his friends knew of his Coordinator background; Tolle seems ok with it, but Miriallia, Sai (to some extent), and, especially, Kazui seem a little weary. When the time is peaceful, nobody seems to remember that Kira is a Coordinator. When the time gets rough and their ability and capacity are being tested, Kira's superiority is evident and thus caused them to be uneasy.
Fllay is straightforward in voicing out the words on everyone's mind with her opinion of Coordinators, but she's recognised Kira as someone different, though it's mostly because he's Sai's friend. Right now, Coordinators are just modified people with abnormal abilities to her, and though she denies being a Blue Cosmos, she agrees that it's not comforting to know the existence of those super human-like Coordinators and tries to avoid them.
By staying with AA, Kira has to fight Athrun and at the same time being treated as a traitor on ZAFT's POV and a non-timed bomb on Naturals' POV. But he is doing all this because he wants to protect those he calls his friends.
With the arrival of Lacus, the small crack caused by the identity conflict widens as many are openly hostile to the girl. Each remark made toward the girl because of her background is like a poisoned arrow aiming for Kira's already burdened heart. It's not hard to see that he won't be able to take it eventually.
On ZAFT's side, Athrun tries to 'get Kira back' with every chance. On one hand, he is fighting to end the war so something like Bloody Valentine that took the life of his mother won't happen again. On the other, he discovers that his best and seemingly only friend is on the other side, piloting Strike and exchanging blows with him. His abnormal behaviours on the battlefield are commented and snarled at by other members on the team, but he can't tell them anything. Already, he's lost a fellow teammate (and roommate) Rusty and a mentor Miguel, and he seems to be losing his friend Kira to EA now as well. The conclusion the Council comes up with doesn't help, and the obvious fact that his father is obsessed with crushing the Naturals adds more weight to his heavy soul. But he is a soldier, and the son of war-advocate Patrick Zala.
Nicol doesn't seem well liked by the older members of the team, but then, it's to be expected from the egotistic Yzak and the sly Dearka.
Natarle is really great and has the pose of a general. AA would have been taken down long ago it not for her. Being the soldier type, she is able to analyse the situations with a calm mind and come up with the best solution. Her combat ability and strategy is also excellent. Because she focuses more on rules and regulations, people tend to think her heartless and cold. I think she is really kind, but with soft-hearted Ramius as the captain and the extremely easy going Fraga around, she has to be the black face of the ship and put the ship and its crew before personal feelings. If only her commanding officer is as able, then she could probably show her tender side. Yeah, I want to write a fanfic for her again. Maybe pick up the one I left a year and a half ago?
BTW, I noticed a few other differences between the regular episodes and the special edition:
- the New Type sound when Fraga senses Kuruze is new
- sequence after Fllay emerges from the life pod
- Lacus asking three times before leaving the room is new
Gundam SEED DESTINY update
For the 2nd half, the lead mecha will be Destiny Gundam.
Heh, it seems I'm in a SEED fever once again. (￣ー￣)
Poor Kira, not wanting to fight yet forced to. Not to mention he's facing some serious identity crisis. Most of his friends knew of his Coordinator background; Tolle seems ok with it, but Miriallia, Sai (to some extent), and, especially, Kazui seem a little weary. When the time is peaceful, nobody seems to remember that Kira is a Coordinator. When the time gets rough and their ability and capacity are being tested, Kira's superiority is evident and thus caused them to be uneasy.
Fllay is straightforward in voicing out the words on everyone's mind with her opinion of Coordinators, but she's recognised Kira as someone different, though it's mostly because he's Sai's friend. Right now, Coordinators are just modified people with abnormal abilities to her, and though she denies being a Blue Cosmos, she agrees that it's not comforting to know the existence of those super human-like Coordinators and tries to avoid them.
By staying with AA, Kira has to fight Athrun and at the same time being treated as a traitor on ZAFT's POV and a non-timed bomb on Naturals' POV. But he is doing all this because he wants to protect those he calls his friends.
With the arrival of Lacus, the small crack caused by the identity conflict widens as many are openly hostile to the girl. Each remark made toward the girl because of her background is like a poisoned arrow aiming for Kira's already burdened heart. It's not hard to see that he won't be able to take it eventually.
On ZAFT's side, Athrun tries to 'get Kira back' with every chance. On one hand, he is fighting to end the war so something like Bloody Valentine that took the life of his mother won't happen again. On the other, he discovers that his best and seemingly only friend is on the other side, piloting Strike and exchanging blows with him. His abnormal behaviours on the battlefield are commented and snarled at by other members on the team, but he can't tell them anything. Already, he's lost a fellow teammate (and roommate) Rusty and a mentor Miguel, and he seems to be losing his friend Kira to EA now as well. The conclusion the Council comes up with doesn't help, and the obvious fact that his father is obsessed with crushing the Naturals adds more weight to his heavy soul. But he is a soldier, and the son of war-advocate Patrick Zala.
Nicol doesn't seem well liked by the older members of the team, but then, it's to be expected from the egotistic Yzak and the sly Dearka.
Natarle is really great and has the pose of a general. AA would have been taken down long ago it not for her. Being the soldier type, she is able to analyse the situations with a calm mind and come up with the best solution. Her combat ability and strategy is also excellent. Because she focuses more on rules and regulations, people tend to think her heartless and cold. I think she is really kind, but with soft-hearted Ramius as the captain and the extremely easy going Fraga around, she has to be the black face of the ship and put the ship and its crew before personal feelings. If only her commanding officer is as able, then she could probably show her tender side. Yeah, I want to write a fanfic for her again. Maybe pick up the one I left a year and a half ago?
BTW, I noticed a few other differences between the regular episodes and the special edition:
- the New Type sound when Fraga senses Kuruze is new
- sequence after Fllay emerges from the life pod
- Lacus asking three times before leaving the room is new
Gundam SEED DESTINY update
For the 2nd half, the lead mecha will be Destiny Gundam.
Heh, it seems I'm in a SEED fever once again. (￣ー￣)
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Gundam SEED DESTINY update (Source: シャア専用ブログ)
From Osaka King Gundam SEED DESTINY booth:
- to be aired starting Oct.9 2004
- C.E.73
- close-up of Shin Asuka
- Kira looks melancholy and slightly disheveled; background: sunset
- Lacus in a blue dress; background: ruins
- Cagalli in military uniform (from the official book 2, pg.32)
- new Athrun illustration
- Milliaria as a cameraman on the battlefield; wears a bandana; background: ruins
- Lunamaria Hawk with Zaku Warrior as background
- Meilin Hawk (メイリン・ホーク) in green ZAFT uniform; red hair in twin tails
- Talia Gradis (タリア・グラディス), captain of Minerva; female; blond hair
- longer transformation scene for Gaia
- Zaku Phantom shoots out missiles
- Rei Za Barel (レイ・ザ・バレル), the Elite guy in the CM; pilots Zaku Phantom
- longer Impulse Armour Schneider scene than in CM
- Impulse jointed scene; Shin Asuka pulling lever
- all characters drawn by Hirai; "ignited" as OP
Narration:
Earth Federation and ZAFT concluded an armistice after the second battle at Yakin Due, however, the tinder for the conflicts between Naturals and Coordinators is not yet extinguished. The time is C.E.73, October. Cagalli, the chief representative of Orb, is accompanied by Athrun to visit ZAFT's plant Armour One. This is where the secret meeting called by Supreme Council Chairman Gilbert Dulandal, concerning the once more unstable state between the two sides, is held.
This happened two years ago. Earth Federation invaded the neutral country of Orb with military force. Getting involved with the sudden war, the citizens ran with confusion, and in the midst of this was a youth who lost his parents and little sister in front of his eyes. Orb was collapsing, and Gundam flew by him overhead. With the cruel state his hometown was in, he moved to PLANT with a vow. "It's useless without strength and power."
New strength, new enemies, new Gundam. The unending conflict between Naturals and Coordinators! Take and be taken away; chase and be chased after. The curtain isn't lowered yet for the drama of ZAFT, EA, Orb!!
For what reason does one fight? Is strength a must in order to protect? What is justice? The human drama of doubt, trouble, and desperation to decide by one's self is on once again!!
DESTINY, the fateful encounter. What is the destiny of the youth who aims for strength?!
DESTINY, the rondo of fate. What can stop the recurrence of the repeating tragedy?!
Destroy this kind of destiny, Gundam!!
From Osaka King Gundam SEED DESTINY booth:
- to be aired starting Oct.9 2004
- C.E.73
- close-up of Shin Asuka
- Kira looks melancholy and slightly disheveled; background: sunset
- Lacus in a blue dress; background: ruins
- Cagalli in military uniform (from the official book 2, pg.32)
- new Athrun illustration
- Milliaria as a cameraman on the battlefield; wears a bandana; background: ruins
- Lunamaria Hawk with Zaku Warrior as background
- Meilin Hawk (メイリン・ホーク) in green ZAFT uniform; red hair in twin tails
- Talia Gradis (タリア・グラディス), captain of Minerva; female; blond hair
- longer transformation scene for Gaia
- Zaku Phantom shoots out missiles
- Rei Za Barel (レイ・ザ・バレル), the Elite guy in the CM; pilots Zaku Phantom
- longer Impulse Armour Schneider scene than in CM
- Impulse jointed scene; Shin Asuka pulling lever
- all characters drawn by Hirai; "ignited" as OP
Narration:
Earth Federation and ZAFT concluded an armistice after the second battle at Yakin Due, however, the tinder for the conflicts between Naturals and Coordinators is not yet extinguished. The time is C.E.73, October. Cagalli, the chief representative of Orb, is accompanied by Athrun to visit ZAFT's plant Armour One. This is where the secret meeting called by Supreme Council Chairman Gilbert Dulandal, concerning the once more unstable state between the two sides, is held.
This happened two years ago. Earth Federation invaded the neutral country of Orb with military force. Getting involved with the sudden war, the citizens ran with confusion, and in the midst of this was a youth who lost his parents and little sister in front of his eyes. Orb was collapsing, and Gundam flew by him overhead. With the cruel state his hometown was in, he moved to PLANT with a vow. "It's useless without strength and power."
New strength, new enemies, new Gundam. The unending conflict between Naturals and Coordinators! Take and be taken away; chase and be chased after. The curtain isn't lowered yet for the drama of ZAFT, EA, Orb!!
For what reason does one fight? Is strength a must in order to protect? What is justice? The human drama of doubt, trouble, and desperation to decide by one's self is on once again!!
DESTINY, the fateful encounter. What is the destiny of the youth who aims for strength?!
DESTINY, the rondo of fate. What can stop the recurrence of the repeating tragedy?!
Destroy this kind of destiny, Gundam!!
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