Bleach 365 Hot Damn!

I was getting tired waiting for the Vizards to show up, and last week my wish finally came true! It was a grand entrance for the masks. The new chapter (365) really cooked up some heat! I'm all puppy-eyed for next week's release to see what the Vizards can really do.

Among the most awaited scenes is between Muruguma Kensei and Hisagi Shuhei. I like Shuhei's reaction upon seeing his idol after years of thinking he was long dead. Not that there was anything fruitful, since Shuhei was down and badly injured. I doubt Kensei saw him, and I'm not sure he'll be able to recognize the boy he once saved (though the '69' mark will get him thinking, I'm sure). I just hope KT will touch on this sooner than later.


Another reunion we were waiting for was between Shunsui and his former vice captain Lisa. Their meeting was quite.. normal, should I say? It got me thinking that maybe Shunsui knew of the existence of the Vizards. Captain Yamamoto certainly does, and it's not so far-fetched that the old captains would know about it.


Here's my theory: I think when Shinji Hirako and the gang were revived as Vizards, they came to Yamamoto for some support. But as they were already part hollows, the captain of the Gotei 13 shunned them away. Perhaps the other captains that time (Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohana, specifically) knew and kept it between them. Or perhaps Yamamoto didn't tell them at all.


The problem with this theory is regarding Aizen's crime. If my thoughts on Yamamoto knowing about theVizards' history is true, he should've also known about Aizen's role in all of it. KT better have something good to tie up loose ends on this matter. Meanwhile, there's a week before the next chapter comes out and I'm tapping my foot in impatience.


***credits to Sleepy Fans Scanlations***

My Favorite Supporting Characters in Bleach

There's been about 4 (?) popularity polls rounding up the Bleach characters that the major characters in the Bleach universe are sure that they are loved by many already. So for my own list of favorite characters I excluded the lead characters of the Bleach series, and only took note of those that didn't get too much air time.

Among the excluded are (of course) Kurosaki Ichigo, Ishida Uryuu, Kuchiki Rukia, Inoue Orihime, Yasutora Sado/Chad, Abarai Renji, Urahara Kisuke, Kuchiki Byakuya, Histugaya Toushiro, and Matsumoto Rangiko. Captain Histugaya has always been popular, and since Lt. Matsumoto is almost always with him, they're also excluded.

And my list goes as:

The fathers --- Kurosaki Isshin and Ishida Ryuken: Well, there's some history here. How they seem to be great friends and how they "lost" their powers. In Ryuken's part, he may have just kept quiet about his Quincy powers. Still, their sons were on the verge of dying a couple of times and they're still just watching from the sides. I have these thoughts that maybe Isshin was part of the Royal Guard and Ryuken paired up with him or something. It'll be big when they reveal everything to their sons, and to us.

Kensei Muguruma: By far, he is my favorite among the Visoreds (Vizards). His short temper amuses me and his compact strength is impressive. He was quite the captain back in the Pendulum chapters (I liked his hair better then, too). He showed very cool leadership qualities, and is obviously one of the strongest among the Visoreds. He was the first to turn into Hollow form and it took the rest of the to-be-Visoreds to fight him and Mashiro.

Hisagi Shuuhei: He's finally getting some air time! One of the reasons why I've taken a liking to Hisagi is his connection to Kensei. His 69 tattoo on his cheek is in honor of the former captain for saving his life when he was young. I believe that this is also the reason why Hisagi chose the same squad as Kensei's. I am really excited as to what Hisagi's reaction would be when they finally meet again, with Kensei as a Visored. I'm also wondering how Hisagi would feel when he'll realize that his former captain, Tousen, was the one who stabbed Kensei at the back and turned him to Aizen's experiments.

Kira Izuru: I didn't like him much before because of his subordinance to Ichimaru Gin. But given his poisition then, it was excuseable. Kira has also improved much, and his shikai is really one of the most impressive shikais of the show.

Rose or Rojuro Otoribashi: We still don't know anything about him except that he was the former 3rd squad captain, and newly appointed, too. He has displayed a calm demeanor and seems to be one of the wiser ones in the Visoreds. He might be one of those people who complements "the calm before the storm."

Lisa Yadomaru: They really had feisty vice-captains back in Pendulum days, as compared to the present vice-captains. Shunsui has hinted that Lisa is stronger than the average vice-captain back when she was his lieutenant. Now a Visored, surely her powers have gotten stronger. i also like her "so what?" attitude.

Shinji Hirako: This is another Visored I'm looking forward to when he goes all out. Actually, I'm interested in all the Visoreds. But these four are on top of the others so far. Will he get to fight Aizen in the future? I hope so!

Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake: I like this two together. When on their own, they're either silent or slacking, so there's not much action. But when they're together, you can really see their closeness and their brotherly friendship. They haven't gone all out yet either. I'm not sure if we'll be able to, but I hope so.

Yumichika Ayasegawa: There's just something about narcissistic guys that amuse me. Ayasegawa especially makes me laugh. Ikkaku has already shown us his tough attitude and his bankai. It should be Ayasegawa's turn in the future to show us some good stuff. His true shikai has already been revealed, but we never know, he may also have mastered bankai.

Stark: He's the only Espada that came in on my top 10 (Ulquiorra and Nel came in on my top 20). He's just cool in a ladi back kind of way. He obviously has the same personality as Shunsui. Their strengths are disguised by their dislike of fighting and lazy attitude.

Runner-up!
Chojiro Sasakibe: Who's this, you ask? Well, he is certainly unfamiliar, but he's always there with the Commander Captain. He's the vice-captain of the 1st squad, and this should imply that he's got awesome skills. He certainly has the look of someone authoritative and all-powerful. He's not making any moves in the present arc of the manga and anime. But he'd better in the near future. You can't be a lieutenant of the top squad and not show us anything awesome!

Dragonball Evolution Was Crappy

I knew it when I first heard they were making it into a movie.
I knew it when they cast Justin Chatwin for the role.
I knew it when Emmy Rossum was cast as Bulma.
I knew it when I saw the poster and saw mostly women and no muscles.
I knew it when they made Piccolo the antagonist.
I knew it when I saw or heard no sign of Kririn and the other Dragon Ball heroes.
I knew it when Chi-Chi and Goku were portrayed as the geek-and-popular-girl love tandem.
I knew it when the plot just didn't make any sense at all!

I just knew that Dragonball Evolution would end up crappy.

In the first place, the very idea of adapting the Dragon Ball series into a live action movie never really appealed to me. Why? Because it was unimaginable to take it into live action. The Dragon Ball series is one of those animations that just wouldn't fit right into the live movies for the very reason that live action can't seem to give it justice.

Think about it. Hardcore muscle men, the Super Saiyan mode (not that this was included in the movie), Piccolo's appearance (James Marsters made me hate Piccolo when I really like Piccolo in the anime), the so-far-out-to-the-future technology by Bulma and her father, and even Shen Long the great dragon (who turns out puny in the movie)... I cannot imagine these things in live action.

Of all anime, why did they choose Dragon Ball anyway? The series isn't like Marvel or DC Comics where we human beings can really relate to the superheroes because they are human, too. The characters in the Dragon Ball series are made up of different species, and while we can connect with their emotions and storylines, it's a different thing altogether when the entire feel of the whole vast universe concept is part of the story's charm. Dragon Ball isn't just about good versus evil and the "who's stronger?" question. Part of what made the anime a beloved series is because of its universal concept and the unimaginable and unfathomable powers that can only occur in our wildest dreams.

After watching Dragonball Evolution, I felt skeptic over the other live action adaptations that'll be out in the future. The Last Airbender is in the works (with Dev Patel as my fave Zuko?) and I am hoping they won't trash the Avatar series like they did Dragon Ball.

I'm On Bleach

I've gone back to rewatching the animes I have and it made me confirm that one of my favorite anime universes has got to be Bleach. It's one of my favorite animes and manga stories. I even got myself watching fan vids and parodies of it. Sheesh.

Well, as I am in too deep with this anime at present, expect some future posts to be about Bleach and its characters, and my thoughts on it and whatever else. I already have some ideas up my head just waiting to be posted.

Stay tuned!

For now, enjoy this 300 movie parody on Bleach that I found. It's pretty neat!

Shouldn't the Youngest Be Stronger?

This is in terms of supernatural powers and energy in siblings. It is usually the younger one who gets to have the glory in fairy tales and parent-and-children flicks like The Little Mermaid and The Godfather. But there are cases where the older sibling is still supreme over the younger one when it obviously should be the other way around.

Case in Point 1: Son Gohan and Goten

I just finished watching all the Dragon Ball Z movies, and I've noticed once again just how small Goten's presence seems to be. Trunks has much more screen time (although I guess it's about time that Vegeta's royal blood run its course and overtake Goku's reputation).

Being brothers, Gohan and Goten should have the same kamehameha energy. Goten is around 6 years younger so he's still got a lot of catching up to do, and it's understandable that Gohan will be stronger than him during Goten's wee years. But even when Goten and Trunks have grown up to manhood there is still no sign of Goten having an edge with his Saiyan blood. He's also the son of Son Goku, he should have a more significant role in the series! Instead he is cast aside like a supporting character while Trunks goes out to be the frontman of the hero Saiyans of the Earth.

But he and Trunks aren't the issue. It's him and his brother, Gohan. When Gohan was introduced in the series, it has been emphasized that his powers have the potential to be stronger than their father's. While time and again it's still Goku who manages to finish up the fight and kill the enemy, there is no doubt that Gohan is poised to become stronger than him. Now I would have expected the same from Goten. His early training with martial arts and entry to the Super Saiyan level (plus fusion with Trunks) made an impression that he may even be stronger than his brother. But nooo... throughout the series he stays as a happy-go-lucky kid who doesn't really fight it out with the others. And he got less and less screen time as the series went.

Why should Goten be stronger? Well, given that Goku was at the peak of his powers the time they conceived Goten, the kid should've inherited more powered energy than Gohan had, shouldn't he? He also achieved Super Saiyan level at a younger age than Gohan or Trunks did (Trunks being older by a year). Yet he just grows up normally instead of kicking alien butt.

Case in Point 2: Wyatt and Chris Halliwell

I'm pretty sure that Chris Halliwell has more fans than Wyatt does. This is due to Chris' major role for the whole of season 6 of Charmed, and his neurotic kind of love for his family. Not that we Charmed fans can blame him, when you've got a brother who happens to be the most powerful witch in history and is on the edge of becoming evil.

I can get how Wyatt would be powerful, as he is a son of a Charmed one and a Whitelighter and born on the Halliwell manor. But for Chris to be not stronger than him? Just because he was born in the hospital instead of at home, he doesn't have powers like Wyatt does?

He should actually be stronger compared to Wyatt. When you think about it, Chris actually has more reasons to be more powerful than his older brother. The main push on this claim would be because at the time of his conception, Piper was already hailed as the most powerful witch of her time and Leo was already an Elder. Put the two together --- strongest witch + Elder --- we should get a child who inherited far more power than Wyatt. True, Chris was able to crush a valkyrie's heart at will, but it was always reiterated throughout the series that he will never be at Wyatt's supreme and all-powerful level.

Ah well.. I guess the distribution of powers isn't all that balanced in the supernatural families. It annoys me though when likeable characters like Goten and Chris are just set aside like they couldn't live up to their family's reputation.

How Animated Fight Scenes Should Be!

I can't help but revel watching the fight scenes of my fave animated shows. Compared to the punch-grab-throw-kick stuff that American animation gives, the Japanese animations are more awesome. And I don't just say 'awesome' lightly. Here are the opening fight scenes of two of my favorite anime.. and I tell ya, this is how animated fight scenes should be!

Seirei no Moribito follows the story of a spear-wielding bodyguard named Balsa and the young prince she has to protect from the assassins sent by his own father, the emperor. It's an anime series made of 26 episodes, and contains great graphics and evolving characters. One of the best animes I've seen, both in visual effects and storyline. It made me appreciate the strength of a spear, too, as I have always viewed this weapon as rather inferior to a sword back then.

This is the opening of the Sword of the Stranger, wherein the star weapon is the sword. Many have said the fight scenes in the movie are badass, awesome, even godly, and I will not be one to disagree. For every synonym of these words, I say yea yea YEAH! Once you've seen the whole movie, how can you say otherwise?

In the video clip, the guy in the red cloak is the villain. As it's the opening fight scene and it's the villain on it, you can only imagine how the next fight scenes would be and how the protagonist of the story is going to kick some serious ass.

Selected Pandemonium / Hyakki Yakou Shoko

Stepping aside from the popular genre of martial arts and action in manga stories, I found another favorite among the supernatural.

Hyakki Yakou Shou, or Selected Pandemonium, is an ongoing manga series, created by Ima Ichiko. I wonder why this manga isn't that popular. It mixes the supernatural and old Japanese beliefs with that of modern lifestyle. I like how the story doesn't go over the top with human-to-demon fights and demonic possessions and such. The story flows calmly, and seemingly realistic. After reading Naruto, Bleach, Claymore, and other popular mangas with exagerrated scenes and circumstances, Selected Pandemonium offers sanctuary from all those ninjutsus and swords.

Iijima Ritsu has a sharp sixth sense that he inherited from his deceased grandfather. This ability makes him a magnet to supernatural beings, some of which are not so friendly with humans and are dangerous. To protect him, his grandfather instructed one of his pet spirits to inhabit Ristu's father's dead body. This spirit-demon, named Blue Storm, is still passing off as his father in front of his mother, grandmother and other people. Only Ritsu knows the truth, and of Blue Storm's mission to protect him.

Ritsu is not the only with a sixth sense in their clan. Although not as strong as him, his two other cousins, Tsukasa and Akira, can also feel spirits and demons. Both of them used to disregard their abilities, Tsukasa denying hers and Akira forgetting her own. Tsukasa is especially reluctant to admit her ability, although her sixth sense is just as sharp as Ritsu's.

The manga mainly tells distant stories of each other. One chapter will focus on one story at a time, all concerning Ritsu and the people connected to him. Another thing I like about this manga is how it somehow connects with everyday life, at least for someone like Ritsu who has sixth sense and attracts a lot of spirits.

I'm now looking for the live action Japanese series of Selected Pandemonium. I can't find any online, and there're no sub versions for me to enjoy. Really, why isn't this popular?!

Manga direct downloads: ETC

Time Leap

Two of the movies I watched yesterday had time as an important concept. Time leap is where we get to take a short travel or a kind of jump into another time, whether in the past or in the future. The movies reiterated the importance that time can either heal or hurt us and those around us. It also emphasizes the notion that you've got do what you've got to do.. as soon as possible and as right a time as possible. In the words of Chiaki Mamiya in The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, "Time waits for no one!"

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time: This Japanese animated movie has been in my collection for weeks now, but I've only had the chance to watch it yesterday. It has a very flowing plot, and the story is very heartwarming. There were scenes that made me cringe, particularly the episodes where the main character, Konno Makoto, and her friends are supposed to be killed in an accident. But I guess it was part of the impact that the movie wanted to give to the audience. Time leaping, when used in an irresponsible and careless acts of selfishness, can cause hurt to others. Makoto was really hapy about being able to leap back into the past to correct her unlucky cicrumstances, but in every episode she changed there was always a person who gut hurt. And they get hurt harder than she was. A fellow classmate was constantly bullied, and her friends got killed. And before she knew it, she only had one more chance to leap through time and fix everything.

Frequency: There wasn't exactly a person leaping through time in this movie. But if you consider talking to a person from another time through a battered old radio as leaping through time (like I do), then let us consider time leap as one of the modes in the movie. John Sullivan gets a chance to talk to his father, Frank Sullivan, who died in his fireman duties when John was still a child, through a radio control system that his father owned when he was still alive. Through this, John was able to warn and save his father from getting killed in a fire accident. But while his father got to survive to see John grow into a cop, his mother was gone and murdered years ago instead. In a race through time to save his mother, both John and his father track the serial killer who killed his mother. I especially like the ending of the movie, where both father and son were assaulted by the killer in their own times.

It goes without saying that time leap can have disastrous consequences. There will always be a losing end to the bargain. But it also shows us how time can help and heal. In John's case, they were able to save his mother and keep their family intact. In Makoto's case came the knowledge that time still flows and balances equations even if you go back and make yourself an addition, thereby realizing that in every happiness there is pain. All we can do is learn how to cope with it and flow with time.

"Time waits for no one!"

Keanu Reeves As Spike Spiegel

My love for Keanu Reeves is still alive, and it has been burning brighter when I heard he would be playing Spike Spiegel in the live action movie of the popular anime Cowboy Bebop. As I think more about it, the more I'm in for him having the role. I really wouldn't have it any other way!

Keanu has been in a lot of fire with his acting skills because of his blank expressions. His latest movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still, gave him a rain of criticisms because of this. I won't argue with this because I know this to be true. But I don't think this will be the case with Cowboy Bebop.

For one, the movie has a futuristic setting, with space mobiles and lots of action. We've seen Keanu as Neo in the Matrix trilogies, didn't we? There's also the character of Spike Spiegel, arrogant, cocky, with the kind of laid-back attitude of a cool cowboy. Keanu as Constantine was cool, and Keanu in Speed and Street Kings was cocky and arrogant.

The only problem I see, and what I'm really itching to see, is the funny and quirky expressions by Spike Spiegel at times of humorous setbacks like having a female, a kid, and a dog on his ship. I'm not sure how he'll do, but I'm excited as to how Keanu will take this into the screen.

Naruto Spoilers ?

Got hold of a blog post on Naruto spoilers... well, it's actually some kind of a recap of Masashi Kishimoto's interview. I'm not sure if all these are true, though, because I have yet to see the real source of this interview. I'll keep digging (despite my waning interest in the Naruto series).

.. from the Garbage Bin: Backtrack with Kishi Interview:

1. Akatsuki Leader’s(not confirmed if its Pein / Madara) strength can’t be matched even with 3 Sannins of the leaf.

2. There is another character in Akatsuki, and unexpected member will bring a chaos.

3. One of the Akatsuki’s member becomes friend/ally with Naruto.

4. Naruto’s seal will be released by the end of 08, or beginning of the 09. At least 4 tails will be released, be prepared it could be shocking scene.

5. Toad dies(he laughs).

6. 3 of Naruto’s important people will die or get seriously injured.

7. Sasuke’s skills cannot be matched against Naruto’s new skills.

8. Sasuke v. Itachi is great scale, and later Naruto’s information about family and bloodline will show up.

9. Sai, he will cause something huge(laughs)

10. 4th’s secret and bloodline will be shown.

11. 2 huge characters of Konoha will die.

12. There is a female member in Akatsuki.

13. Akatsuki will invade Konoha with its mysterious beasts, and Shiranui Genma will provide great help to Konoha.

.. another Kishi interview ...

1. Uchiha’s secret will be revealed and 2 of the remaining will die.

2. Akatsuki’s leader kills 6 people (Does this mean Pein is the confirmed leader?)

3. Sasuke and Itachi’s fight will cause chaos; Uchiha, Uchiha Madara’s secrets are revealed and all the skills of the MS will be revealed. The fight will end with death of one.

4. Naruto will collide with Pain; Kakashi’s team will collide with Tobi. There will be big turnaround on Tobi v. Kakashi’s team. Naruto v. Pain will be fights of the “beasts”. Be prepared, during this fight there will be deaths from Naruto’s team.

5. Three new members will join the Akatsuki. They will be stronger than Deidara, Hidan, and Kakuzu. One of them is the brother/sister of the Hokage.

6. Naruto’s new skills and the result of the training will reveal when he fight against Pain. He have learned all of the Jiraiya’s jutsu during the 3 years of the time and he became much stronger. He did not learn the “toad mode or w.e u call it”. Naruto also learned 3 of the 4th’s jutsus.

7. After all these fights, there will be a great war.

8. There will be death on Tobi vs. Naruto team and one of them becomes unable to fight.

9. Jinchuuriki of the 8 tailed will be revealed. This Jinchuuriki kills one of the Akatsuki’s members and invades Konoha by him/herself. During this fight one dies, and one will lose his/her eyesight.

Some of these have already been revealed. We already know of Konan, the female member of Akatsuki, and Killerbee was already introduced. Jiraiya is now dead, which leaves us speculating on who else among the huge Konoha characters is going to die. Many are debating on whether it's going to be Kakashi or Tsunade.

The Wrong Love Pair-Ups!

Whenever I watch a movie or animation, or whenever I read a book or a story, I usually keep tabs on the love pair-ups. Must be the stifled romantic in me, but the love pair ups, or the love teams, in the stories can have an effect in me. If I love the pairing of the protagonist and his or her love interest, then I would only be too happy to read more quickly or watch the movie/animation more intently. If I hate the pair, though, I'd end up crunching my nose and sighing in frustration with as to why the two characters got together and not with some other person who I think would be more compatible for them.

I just read Brisingr, the third installment of the Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini. After reading it, I got even more frustrated with the state of Eragon's lovelife. I loved the book, there's no mistake. I love the series and I am eagerly waiting for the fourth and last book of the series. But Eragon's lovelife frustrates me. The third book has ended but he still pines for Arya, and his love still remains unrequited.

This brings to my mind the other love pair-ups that I wanted to end in a happily-ever-after story but are most usually not meant to be. Some of the love pair-ups I like would sometimes come true but towards the end of the story, it's either their relationship status is in trouble or has gone totally down the rocks. And that just irks me to the point that I want to bash the author's or creator's head for not making the pair-ups work.

To elaborate, here are some of my most wanted love pair-ups and how they are not together:

1. Eragon and Angela

Were you surprised that I voted for Angela to be Eragon's love interest? Well, it's because Iwant his love interest to be Angela, and not Arya. Arya just doesn't seem to be that interesting, aside form the fact that she's an elf and elves are elegant. I also don't feel the sparks between Eragon and Arya whenever they have a moment with each other in the story. Perhaps, Arya is just stiff by nature and just doesn't show her feelings that much. I tried to settle with an "opposites attract" theme with the Eragon-Arya pair-up but it still doesn't fit for me.

Now, Angela, on the other hand, is quite more interesting than Arya. She goes overboard sometimes but I like her and her way with people. I especially like how she interacts with Eragon, and I believe that at one time, in Eldest, there was a time when Eragon felt comfortable with Angela. He still does, I'm sure, as he knows Angela treats him as she would any other person, and that mattered to Eragon.

Sadly, the author doesn't seem to share my sentiments on the matter. He still goes on with Eragon pining after Arya. (I'll still read the fourth book, no matter who Eragon will be with.)

2. Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood

Now, I'm sure you're laughing. Hey, I'm giggling, too. I know. Loony Luna's a little.. err... loony.. for the famous Harry Potter. But I'd still take Luna over the irritable Cho Chang and the annoying Ginny Weasley. But then I guess the majority wins, and Harry and Luna are not meant to be. It rarely happens when a famous character like Harry Potter would fall for a weird girl like Luna.

I got over this not-meant-to-be pair-up when I grew frustrated over the Harry Potter series (I let it pass that Harry got together with Ginny, but it was the way the story had gone darker and the way Harry had become a little smug that made me lose my Harry Potter addiction).

3. Cagalli Yula Athha and Athrun Patrick Zala

I am a huge fan. They were actually paired up in the Gundam SEED series. But it was implied that they broke up towards the end of Gundam SEED Destiny, with Cagalli choosing to focus on ruling Orb and leaving Athrun in the hands of another girl. I can recall a blog stating their relationship status to be "on hiatus."

A lot of me would agree that they really go well together. Athrun's the calm and shy type, while Cagalli is outgoing and frank. I rejoiced when they got together in Gundam SEED, and I hated the SEED Destiny ending because it made it obvious that the two are no longer together in the end. The creators had better launch a movie or another season and have Cagalli and Athrun back together again. Just when is the proposed movie going to be finalized anyway?!

4. Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata

I'm sure I'm not the only one vying for this pair-up to come true. You can't hate Naruto, and you can't hate Hinata. Naruto is just so whacked in the head he's hopeless, but Hinata still likes him. Naruto can get himself humiliated a million times, and Hinata would still be on the side admiring him. Well, it's a little annoying that Hinata is extremely shy. But wouldn't that just match Naruto's thick face and loud mouth?

The anime and manga is gearing towards Naruto and Sakura, but I'm still betting on Naruto and Hinata. And I'm not the only one so the creator better think before he settles on Naruto's love interest.

5. Kusosaki Ichigo and Inoue Orihime

All the Bleach fans know how Inoue is so much in love with Ichigo, while Ichigo jsut values friendship so much he knows nothing of the "rabu-rabu" feelings. Despite his ignorance on the subject, though, it's something that I grew to like about him. Right now, I can't see him as the romantic type.

This pair-up might go well as the series goes on. But there is the presence of Rukia to think about. I do not hate Rukia; I like her, too, as a matter of fact. I'm not sure about how she feels about Ichigo, but Ichigo certainly listens to Rukia and values her opinions. There have been many times wherein Ichigo is so influenced by Rukia. When it comes to Inoue, it's just pure friendship. I do not detect anything from Ichigo, but I hope that he would Inoue.


These are just some of the pair-ups I have in mind right now. What are the chances these pair-ups will come to be, do you think?

Kira Yamato vs Athrun Zala

Of all Gundam eras and series, my favorite has to be that of Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny. One factor was because of the graphics and animations (although if you disregard the color of the hair, the eyes, etc., all the characters would look like clone of one another). Another was the storyline, and how the story seems so realistic at times. But the biggest factor for me was the development, growth, and great display of personal and emotional power in the characters of the both series.


As the main protagonists of the Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny series, the character developments of best friends Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala are the most focused on in the anime. Both had their emotional problems, the most important issue mainly about the fact that they fight for different sides of the war, pitting them against each other.

Strike Freedom: Kira Yamato

As Gundam SEED ends, we are told that Kira Yamato was made to be the Ultimate Coordinator. It was instilled in him to be the greatest of his generation of coordinators, and his prowess and talent made him the best Gundam pilot.

Physical abilities aside, his weakness was that of his connection to his best friend, and “type” of human being (being a coordinator). As the war goes on, he also battles with himself, thinking constantly that he was betraying his fellow coordinators. As the story progresses, however, he ascertains his principles and becomes stronger in his beliefs. This aids him to be more straightforward in his battles. He becomes more sure of himself and what he needs to do.

Kira’s demeanor is quite silent. He thinks, but in the end it is his heart that he follows. His shyness and reserved manner gets him in a “follower” position, though, almost always waiting for a push from his peers and leaders before he makes a move.

Infinite Justice: Athrun Zala

One blogger described Athrun Zala as the "Eternal Thinker." I would have to agree. Perhaps Athrun’s weakness lies in thinking too much, that he ends up not knowing which side he should be fighting for. This also hinders some clear decisions in his part, as he has been led to fight for the anatagonists for both Gundam SEED and SEED Destiny.

Thankfully, in the end, he always gets it right (although with dire consequences). In Gundam SEED, he defected from ZAFT when he learned of his father’s plan to eliminate the Naturals. In SEED Destiny, he defected once again when he was going to be framed as a traitor.

Athrun also has a reserved demeanor, quite like Kira. But in the case where Kira is the follower, Athrun was a born leader. He is one of the best Gundam pilots, and one of the few who are undefeated in SEED mode. He can level it out with Kira, almost killing his best friend. Athrun is also excellent in hand-to-hand combat and is a great marksman. He is also a good military strategist.


Who Is Ultimate? Though I favor Athrun more because I feel for him more, in matters of principles and a straight heart I would have to go for Kira Yamato. From Gundam SEED to Gundam SEED Destiny, Kira has shown more maturity and has achieved a more balanced thought on peace and fighting against war. In SEED Destiny, it was clearly shown that while Athrun was disillusioned and confused, Kira never wavered from his beliefs.

La Corda D'Oro Quotes, part 2

"We are still both students. Moreover, you've just entered high school. From now on, you'll be attracted to other different things, experience various encounters, and improve yourself. You'll be doing such things, and if you think about it after that, you'll learn it's not too late."
- Yunoki Azuma, episode 14 -

"You want the person you love to look only at you, right?"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 14 -

"Kreisler's lie taught a lot of people the wonders of music as a result. What about your lie, Yunoki-senpai? Hiding your true self and deceiving the people around you.. Doesn't it hurt you, senpai?"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 14 -

"Come to think of it, I might've been just in love with love. I was such a child."
- Sakimoto, episode 15 -

"You've gotten kinder than before, huh? I wonder whose fault it is?"
- Sakimoto, episode 15 -

"If the lie pains me, I have no choice but to become real. If that's impossible, I have no choice but to become closer to being real."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 16 -

"Besides that, no matter what kind of secret you have, that's not what's important to me. What matters most as a participant is your attitude towards music."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 16 -

"It's naive to just like the violin. I can't catch up to them like that."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 18 -

"If you love music and enjoy performing from the bottome of you heart, the violin would easily play beautiful music. However, when you're really impatient and irritated, the sound will get warped."
- Lili, episode 18 -

"You seem so overconfident, for you take being compared to a flower so seriously."
- Yunoki Azuma, episode 19 -

"Take the weight off your shoulders, step back, and have a good look. If you do that, the wrinkles on your forehead will disappear."
- Kanazawa-sensei, episode 19 -

"When did we stop telling each other the truth?"
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 19 -

"I wonder if there will be a time when just liking music isn't enough?"
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 19 -

"The sound of perfection is such a distant thing, is it?"
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 19 -

"To not have a new door open up for you is likely to be painful."
- Kanazawa Hiroto, episode 19 -

"When I listen to your music, I feel like I'm just about to catch and get a hold of something. Something very important.."
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 20 -

"They say that when we look at the city from a high place like this, we can understand how tiny our existence can be. But, conversely, I understand how great and wide the world is and I get excited.. There are countless people in this wide world. And when I also think about how there is countless music that can be played, I get really excited."
- Ousaki Shinobu, episode 20 -

"Everyone's been doing their best. And when you see that, you realize music isn't such a special thing.. especially classical music. It appears to be a high-leveled and advanced thing, but I think it's the same as normal things like talking, laughing, and just having fun."
- Ousaki Shinobu, episode 20 -

"Though you seem worried, you shouldn't press yourself for the answer. I think there will come a time when the answer will come out naturally."
- Ousaki Shinobu, episode 20 -

".. I'm a bit relieved. That there are things even you can't answer."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 20 -

"It's harder to fool oneself than to fool others, huh?"
- Yukino Azuma, episode 20 -

"Strings are called corda in Italian, and corda has a meaning of 'a bond.'"
- Lili, episode 20 -

"It's not over when it's broken, huh?"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 21 -

"Violins are hand-crafted. One is never the same as the other, so repairs take time. Your violin is also the only one of its kind in the world."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 21 -

"I love the violin. That's why it's okay to start from the beginning."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 21 -

"You know, Tsuchiura, I only wanted to know your resolution. Competition in the worlds of sports and music is fierce. If you don't focus on one thing there's no way you could win.. If you're going to do it, then win!"
- Soccer Captain, episode 21 -

"I knew that competing wasn't the essence of music. But at that time, it seemed like the whole of me, the whole of my music, was rejected."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 21 -

Hihara:
But competing with others isn't what music is about..

Kanazawa-sensei:
The one you're competing with isn't others, but yourself, right?.. Using up all your power, exerting effort to become a little better than now.. Not making excuses for yourself.. Eventually, you'll be proud of what you were yesterday.

"The sound of the trumpet resounds in one's body. It's like the cells in the body vibrate and give power. I also received a lot of energy from your music!"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 22 -

"I want to make the people important to me happy! That's right! That's my music!"
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 22 -

"When I see you being so earnest, whether you win or lose, it feels like you're going to attain a ranking different from what I expect, or something like that!"
- Mori, episode 22 -

"Let them say what they want. It's just a matter of making them eat their words when they come to the auditorium."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 23 -

"I'll be lying if I said I'm not afraid. But because of this violin.. it let me encounter music, and you guys, too. I want to stand on the stage with the violin that gave me all that."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 23 -

"This camera may be old, but for me it's my good partner."
- Amou Nami, episode 23 -

"When I see you doing your best, I think of myself as pathetic for always living in the past."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 23 -

"I think it's basic for me to play what's written in the music. The sheet music has the composer's intentions and feelings in it. I was thinking of expressing it a little more that way."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 24 -

"When I see you guys doing your best, my wounds heal."
- Kanazawa Hiroto, episode 24 -

"Sweet things are good when you're tired."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 24 -

"There's music waiting to be born from this fingers. Treat them with more care."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 24 -

"Everything your heart has felt is shining through your music. The melodies born from the bottom of your heart.. that's your music.."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 24 -

"It's the last after all. I have to enjoy it a lot so I won't have any regrets."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 24 -

"I'll play music that speaks about who I am rather than just focusing on the sheet music."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 24 -

"The more rivals, the more interesting it'll be."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 25 -

"As long as you make it your performance, it's okay."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 25 -

"I had tough and tearful moments, but right now all those are dear to me."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 25 -

"Life is short. Young girls like you should love!"
- Kanazawa Hiroto, special -

"You didn't give up in the middle, but went through it till the end. It's not such a simple thing to do."
- Kanazawa Hiroto, special -

"You hear the same tune differently when it's played in a different place. The mood of the song depends on the feelings you put into it. So I thought the one and only tune is one you can't hear anywhere else but at that moment."
- Hino Kahoko, special -

La Corda D'Oro Quotes, part 1

"Music is supposed to be enjoyable to everybody who hears it. Don't you want to be able to make music like that?"
- Lili, episode 1 -

"It seemed as if the high notes became transparent. It somehow seemed to pierce my heart. I had no idea that the violin can make such beautiful sounds."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 2 -

"Just making sound come out is different from playing it."
- Lili, episode 2 -

"Don't be hard on yourself. There must be a reason why you were chosen."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 2 -

"Just play like you always do."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 2 -

"You just have to enjoy yourself more."
- Hihara Kazuki, episode 2 -

"Yeah, if I don't enjoy playing it, then I'm not doing it justice, right?"
- Hino Kahoko, episode 2 -

"Whether you hate it or love it, such sentiments are worthless."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 3 -

"If I'm aiming for the same victory as she is, I would only like to compete to get a higher level and rank than her."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 3 -

"What you should play is not important. What's important is the story your performance is telling.. how you express it."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 4 -

"Music is something everyone can enjoy."
- Lili, episode 4 -

"It sure is strange. When you turn these written notes into sounds, it becomes so beautiful. How should I say it.. It seems that the performer is resurrecting the notes."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 4 -

"Isn't music written with 'sound' and 'fun' all over it?"
- Lili, episode 4 -

"It's about the attitude we have towards music. Are you really serious?"
- Tsukimori Len, episode 5 -

"Let's look past little mistakes."
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 5 -

"[playing 'Tristesse'] If you close down the way to your own path, it will always open up. That's why this isn't a song of ending. It is a new encounter. A song of beginning."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 5 -

"[about Kreisler] Then the reason why his compositions are still liked right now is because it must've been a good lie result-wise, right?"
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 6 -

"When I play, I do nothing but play.. When I play, my fingers move skillfully and when a beautiful sound comes out, I become very happy. I think it would be good to be able to play such an ideal sound."
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 7 -

"Music is something you have to enjoy and also something you have to make other people enjoy."
- Hamai Misa, episode 7 -

"[on Yunoki] He has a good appearance and is also smart. He has a smile that never goes away and he's really popular. There isn't a single bad rumor about him. He's a perfect honor student. How do you call him.. He's too perfect that, conversely, it's suspicious."
- Amou Nami, episode 8 -

"We're rivals now! If I'm going to do it, I don't intend to lose to anyone!"
- Tsuchiura Ryoutaro, episode 9 -

"But I can't keep relying only on others. Whether it's Tsuchiura-kun or the magic violin.. I must do something on my own.."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 9 -

"Hearing other people's music makes me think of a lot of things. Why is it different from mine? Why do they perform like that?"
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 9 -

"Besides the fact that there is a concours, the manner of being strictly on time is an absolute thing that must be observed no matter what the reason. If he can't do that, he certainly doesn't have the capability to participate."
- Tsukimori Len's Father, episode 10 -

"There are plenty of things I could learn by observing the other participants as well."
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 11 -

"Now I know.. it's got a gentle sound.. Is that why I thought I wanted to hear it some more?"
- Shimizu Keiichi, episode 11 -

"Results are results. You're second, I'm last. Results are everything. Everything happening so far has been a result of the effort you exerted."
- Tsukimori Len, episode 11 -

"I've decided to do my best. That's why I can't quit halfway now."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 12 -

"I think the concours is like feelings that are always changing.. like everyone. But the important things never change. I want to everyone to enjoy. That's all."
- Ousaki Shinobu, episode 12 -

"I only thought about myself, huh? Not having time to pay attention to others around me, I wasn't able to become kind."
- Hino Kahoko, episode 12 -

"It's not good to practice with cold-hearted feelings, Hino Kahoko."
- Lili, episode 13 -

"I want you to play the violin with honest feelings."
- Lili, episode 13 -

BubbleGum Crash Quotes

"You only hear me when I'm insulting you."
- Nene Romanova, episode 1 -

"Trading his life like that for Boomers... I don't get it..."
- Priss Asagiri, episode 2 -

"I know full well that you're not like other Boomers. But just because you're different doesn't mean I like you."
- Priss Asagiri, episode 2 -

"Dr. Haynes was killed because of me. But there was nothing I could do. All I can do is keep the memories that Dr. Haynes gave me."
- Boomer Adama, episode 2 -

"Boomers are not meant to be used for war or for crimes."
- Boomer Adama, episode 2 -

Daley:
Perhaps, ultimately, mankind existed only to be replaced by Boomers.

Leon:
Shut your mouth! Aren't we more than that?

"That doesn't matter to me! I'm fighting only for myself! Not for money, not for anyone else!"
- Priss Asagiri, episode 3 -

"If I'm gonna die anyway, I'm going down fighting!"
- Priss Asagiri, episode 3 -

"Better to die as proud women!"
- Nene Romanova, episode 3 -

"You, too, should realize that mankind exists to one day destroy itself."
- Largo / Mason, episode 3 -

Animes, TV series, and Quotes

I don't know why I'm so hooked up with quotes, but I am. I especially like to go over the Japanese animations because they've got intellectually, and emotionally, stimulating character lines. From my last posts, it's sort of obvious I'm on the quest of writing down quotes I can find from animes. Right now, my specimen is the Bubblegum Crisis and AD Police series and OVAs.

I finished watching Bubblegum Crisis, Bubblegum Crash, and Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040. I've only got to work on the quotes from the original Bubblegum Crisis and Crash OVA then I'll be done with the series. The AD Police series and OAV are next on my list.

I'm also trying to find AD Police: Parasite Dolls. I want to complete the AD Police series just as I completed the Bubblegum Crisis series (it's an obsessive-compulsive kind of thing, I guess). I couldn't find even a torrent of it in English subs.

I'm also trying to control my pace with the animes and TV series. Right now, I'm watching Supernatural. Then tonight (if I can hound the computer away from my brother) I'll be starting on the AD Police series.

BubbleGum Crisis 2040 Quotes, Eps 14-26

"Whether he's ordinary or not, what you think of him is up to you."
- Nigel Kirkland, episode 15 -

"There isn't a person anywhere who shouldn't exit."
- Nene Romanova, episode 15 -

Priss:
Eavesdropping is the lowest thing you could do.

Leon:
You weren't exactly whispering, either of you.

"We lose our rival and it's hard to stay enthused about our work."
- Leon McNichol, episode 15 -

"If someone calls it a coincidence, it might have been. But it was also inevitable."
- Sylia Stingray, episode 16 -

"A rumor contains some truth once in a while."
- Chief Nick Roland, episode 16 -

"An excellent policeman can only live as a policeman."
- Chief Nick Roland, episode 16 -

"Even if it's foolish, I don't have any other choice."
- Priss Asagiri, episode 17 -

"As long as boomers are humanoid, the boomers' fate is decided. A boomer must be a boomer."
- Leon McNichol, episode 19 -

"I never thought how humiliating it is for us that someone controls the media like this."
- Leon McNichol, episode 19 -

"By changing its shape, a boomer can own a self-consciousness that has a totally different logic from that of a human being. I finally understand that a real boomer is a boomer that changes shape. Therefore, I can't forgive myself if I don't exploit this feature aggressively."
- Sylia Stingray, episode 19 -

"If what God does is just be there, the only reason to exist is to observe the end of the irrational living organisms that he created."
- Brian J. Mason, episode 20 -

"I'll be the same person in the future as I am now."
- Nigel Kirkland, episode 20 -

"It's so miserable having to wait without doing anything, isn't it?"
- Mackey, episode 21 -

"Trust them. It's also about being brave."
- Nigel Kirkland, episode 21 -

"Who are you going to fight for? What are you going to protect by continuing this fight?"
- Leon McNichol, episode 23 -

"The fact is a human being exists as a human being, and a machine exists as a machine. Only human beings believe those facts describe a natural order. Humans stopped evolving at the Neoteny stage and are continuing to decline. But some are born who don't believe in this order. This might be a naturally occurring coincidence."
- Galatea, episode 25 -

"There's a quality, a soul, that humans recognize in each other, which is impossible for machines, no matter how intricate, to copy."
- Galatea, episode 25 -

"A part becomes the whole: Evolution."
- Galatea, episode 25 -

"The first subhuman was duplicated from my core, but it was imperfect. Imperfect because he was too close to being human."
- Galatea, episode 25 -

"A human being is what you are. You can't help thinking as a human being."
- Galatea, episode 25 -

"My destiny isn't very good. Therefore, the only thing I can do is to change it myself."
- Linna Yamazaki, episode 25 -

"It's funny that Earth's fate will be decided by such ill-mannered girls, isn't it?"
- Leon McNichol, episode 26 -

"Why? Why do you persist in trying to remain a human being? As long as human beings remain as they are, neither the mind nor body can evolve. So, why? I don't understand."
- Galatea, episode 26 -

"I will be in everything. That's the real form of being God."
- Galatea, episode 26 -

BubbleGum Crisis 2040 Quotes, Eps 01-13

"Somehow, I just can't like voomers. I don't see why they have to look like humans. They could look like robots, couldn't they?"
- Linna's friend and colleague, episode 1 -

"Such a great figure shouldn't be hidden by unfashionable clothing."
- Sylia, episode 2 -

"I like voomers. You could say I love them. They bear all of humanity's burdens, enduring physical and mental pain, so that humans don't have to."
- Chairman Rosenkroitz, episode 2 -

"If you don't have the confidence, why don't you quit now?"
- Priss, episode 3 -

"Don't misunderstand me. I don't know about Sylia but we don't intend to be champions of justice or volunteers."
- Priss, episode 4 -

"Of course I didn't expect it to be easy. But I didn't expect it to be so hard."
- Linna, episode 4 -

"Frankly speaking, if you're just another without purpose, don't risk your life."
- Priss, episode 4 -

"It's a woman, right? Why is it you become naive as a high school boy everytime you fall in love?"
- Daley, episode 4 -

"If one person is in a bad mood, as you seem to be, it contaminates the whole atmosphere of the department."
- Linna's pervert manager, episode 6 -

"Manipulating the data is similar to a human relationship. If you're not sincere or if you don't deal with it gently, it sometimes gets upset or angry."
- Linna's pervert manager, episode 6 -

"It's so sad to be unable to wear the clothes you really like."
- Sylia, episode 6 -

"The machine can't use all its power if the person who maintains it doesn't love it."
- Mackey, episode 6 -

"I don't completely understand how the hard suits work. Sylia doesn't show me the most important part. But it's just a suit. If those of us inside the suits don't work as hard as we can, the suit is just a heavy outfit."
- Nene, episode 6 -

"It has nothing to do with what you think. It's the fact that he found the place where he's comfortable."
- Nigel, episode 8 -

"Well, I don't expect the citizens to love us anyway. But are we doing something that should make us hated?"
- Leon, episode 8 -

"I see, but I don't understand someone who never feels lonely."
- Linna, episode 8 -

Reporter:
What does singing mean for you?

Priss:
To confirm that I am here and alive. I guess.

"I just don't like their way of doing things. When they have a mission as a pretext, they don't care how horribly they hurt people. I can't stand a grandstanding attitued like that."
- Priss, episode 9 -

"Have you ever seen the news tell the truth about our work?!"
- Chief, episode 10 -

Leon:
What a great partner!

Daley:
We're hopelessly linked, you idiot.

"I wonder if the place you should be is waiting for you."
- Masaki, episode 11 -

"I sell my information to the person willing to pay the highest price. It's simply economic logic."
- Kuzui, episode 12 -

"No matter what private reasons Sylia has, I think it's okay, because we're all Knight Sabers for our own reasons."
- Linna, episode 13 -

Naruto Shippuuden Movie Quotes

"There are some things you can't learn by training."
- Shizune -

"Never give up, no matter what happens. You rarely see anyone as determined as him."
- Tsunade -

Naruto:
You guys are, like, super worried that I'm gonna die after hearing that, right? So I thought I'd wear this to help put everyone at ease!

Sakura:
We don't have time to worry about you dying when the fate of the world is at stake!

Naruto:
Can't you avoid death if you know how you're gonna die?

Tahuro:
No. No matter how hard you struggle, when fate decides it is your time to die, there is no avoiding it.

"Who doesn't feel grief when someone close to them dies? I'm not allowed to cry. If I do it'd be an insult to all those who died for me."
- Shion -

"Whatever happens to me, you mustn't let our heart waver."
- Miroku -

"Someday I will disappear from your sight. For we are transient, as is the world we live in."
- Miroku -

"You don't have to accept a destiny you don't want!"
- Naruto -

Ninja Techniques used in the movie:

... by the villains ^_^

Kyouka Shohou Chakra Chuunyuu : Chakra Injection of Fortified Medication
Katon Ninpou, Hibashiri : Fire Element Ninja Art, Racing Fire
Fuuton Ninpou, Kamikaze : Wind Element Ninja Art, Divine Wind
Doton, Tsuchi Kairora : Earth Element, Earth Corridor
Fuuton, Kami Oroshi : Wind Element, Holy Jet Stream
Suiton, Mizu Kamikiri : Water Element, Water God Slicer
Suiton, Suiryuuben : Water Dragon Whip
Doton, Kouka Jutsu : Earth Element, Hardening Technique
Masui Sejutsu : Secret Anesthesia Technique
Suishuu Gorugon : Powerful Blasting Rain Trench
Ninpou, Mizu Kawarimi : Ninja Art, Water Replacement Technique
Ankoku Ijutsu: Dark Medical Arts

... by Naruto:

Buushin Tiatarie : Clone Attack
Tajuu Kage Buunshin : Mass Shadow Clone

... by Rock Lee:

Konoha Senpuu : Leaf Whirlwind
Konoha Dai Senpuu : Great Leaf Whirlwind
Omoto Renge : Initial Lotus
Ura Renge: Primary Lotus

... by Hyuuga Neji:

Hakke Kuushou : Eight Trigrams Empty Palm
Hakkeshou Kaiten : Eight Trigrams Divine Spin
Jyuuken Hou, Hakke Rokujuuyonshou : Gentle Fist, Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Strikes

... by Taruho:

Shadow Mirror Shapeshift

... by Kakashi:

Raikiri : Lightning Edge

... by Shikamaru:

Kagemane no Jutsu : Shadow Mimic Technique

... by Temari:

Kirikiri Mai : Double Slashing Dance

DragonballZ Update: First Look at Goku!

I don't really see much of a difference. To me, it is still Justin Chatwin, and I can't see anything close to Goku except for the hair (and even that is not that obvious to make viewers think that he is Son Goku). Maybe I was expecting it to appear closer to the animation. Right now I'm still not impressed enough to go "woah" on this picture: