Ramblings of a Crowe

Car Business

Well, the car went in and came back today. Yup...one day...they found absolutly nothing wrong with it...though I'm still skeptical, but I have a funny feeling it's just my paranoia running rampent. *sigh* At least I got the oil changed and stuff...something that has been on my "to do" list for a long time. Apparently, I'm still under warrenty too, which is good. However, I still need to take it in for it's 30,000 mile tune up or the warrenty voids out. It's like 350-400 bucks...OUCH...I don't have that kind of cash right now...so it will have to wait for a while....

Tomorrow I'm going to see the movie "Anacondas" or whatever it's called. I promised Hunter I'd take him to the movies, instead of going to that confounded county fair they hold each year...More than likely, it will be a pretty B rate movie, but for some reason, my son just loves those kind of flicks. I think he's got every Godzilla movie that's come out on DVD so far...along with the other movies like "Anaconda", "Lake Placid", etc. Jurassic Park was a big hit with him too...*laughs* I don't know if I should be concerned about his facisnation with animals eating people or not...Then again, when I was little and saw Jaws 2 for the first time, I cried when the shark died...I turned out fairly normal, so I think it's just a phase...*laughs*

I went to the mall today to kill some time and stopped in at Game Stop to see when I could expect Star Ocean to come in. They told me to come pick it up on Wednesday afternoon. I took a look at the guide and was astounded! The stupid thing is like a friggin phone book. It's HUGE! I'll probably buy in case I get stuck. I normally rather play the game with out a guide, but occasionally it's almost impossible...sometimes designers get carried away with puzzels and dugeon lay outs...plus, we all know that they want to MAKE us HAVE to buy one...It's always about money....

Why is it so damn hot again? I'm sitting here sweating like a stuck pig...it shouldn't be this flippin hot at 9pm...*sigh*

Hmph...I'm cranky....so I think I'll go swealter while I watch TV...

An Inciteful Quote

A wonderful quote from J:

You should know that riding in my car is an experience. It will take you back to a simpler time. A time when large car yachts ruled the road and Guns and Roses ruled the airwaves. A time when computers were black and green screened, and the backstreet boys were still getting hurt on the playground.

Yes, those were the days!

Summary Part 1

Like I said, I actually did get some scans of Zero done today. It took me all day, but they're up, and here's the summary! Of course, spoilers are here, so if you want to read the scans first, pass over this entry.

ZERO 2 summary of pg. 6-26

The boys are back in action, having run away from the Zoo and into the slums just outside. The slums are crime and disease ridden, with little protection from the radiation. There are no laws to regulate the people there, and it's basically kill or be killed. No sane person would choose to live there. Which is probably why they chose that place to hide, thinking the military wouldn't look for them there.

However, General Batsu is on to them. He's miffed it's been two months and the army can't find his grandson "Batsu Eishi" anywhere. He tells them to search the slums and then goes about his sociopathic way, threatening to shoot Julia's pet crow and then her...However, he takes a minute to ponder why Batsu would flee from him, and makes a comment about the death of a woman possibly being the issue. He's such a great grandpa! *sarcasim*

Later, we see Batsu harrassing Geo (again) about fixing his walkman, which he states was given to him by a US solider outside the barracks. Geo scolds Batsu, reminding him that he's the one the military is after, but Batsu just laughs it off. He says he knows what's going on and not to sweat it. Geo insults him, and the scuffle (again). Zatto breaks it up by coming on the radio and playing a bit of triva (the "Guess what I got" game). Apparently he scored some rare meat from an old man they know and the boys are stoked.

Time passes and Zatto is cooking while Batsu drools over him while Geo plays with a stun gun he's been working on. Batsu thinks it's cool and Geo explains it's for self defense, then leaves to get Agi for dinner.

Geo heads to the old boiler room of a building, trying hard not to see all the suffering people around him. We learn that it's easy to get opium from due to all the cancer patients in the slums, and that Agi is working to create a cure to wake up Koka, who is still in a coma from the secondary effects of the ZERO. Geo finds Agi in his room, naming off various drugs in a delusional manner. Agi thinks Geo is Zatto at first, and Geo slaps his forehead in exhasperation. Agi's finally gone off the deep end from over work. Geo tells him to go take a bath to wash off any radiation he has on him, but Agi just rambles on about the ph of pure water and distilled water. Geo solves the problem by giving him a bucket of distilled right in the face.

Back in the apartment (if you can call it that), Batsu asks Zatto where he learned to cook. Zatto explains that cooking is no big deal, but Batsu is still perplexed. He doesn't understand how someone could learn to do something like that when all their lives the Zoo has taken care of them. This ticks Zatto off, and he tells Batsu that not everyone in the Zoo was "privledged" like he was. Zatto tells him that those in the lower blocks had to fend for themselves constantly, cooking if they missed mess call and even doing their own laundry (soap wasn't always availible). The block they lived in didn't even have a full UV cover.

Batsu gets mad and says it wasn't his choice to be put in the "A" Block. He was stuck there just like they were and had no say over the matter. He goes off on a rant, that only Batsu is capable of and Zatto just stares at him in awe. Batsu snaps at him and asks him what the hell he's looking at, to which Zatto replies with something like how un-Akifumi like Batsu is, despite being identical to him. Of course, this just sets Batsu off even more and he starts ranting about how he and his father are two different people, even if they look like twins. He continues to rave about how stupid the dreams of the "Zero Era" are and asks Zatto to explain how Geo could be both Rikako and Tomoya at the same time. He then says it's all stupid and they should just start living in the "real" Zero era.

About this time, Geo shows up and tries to force Batsu to take a pill (of Zero) so he can see for himself how real the dreams are. Batsu flips out, yelling about how all the Zero was confiscated and that Geo isn't fair and he's mean to boot. They continue to argue as Zatto looks at a helicoptor flying over head....

(A rare genuine smile from Batsu)

Scans are availible, but you'll have to ask me where they're located if you'd like to read them. Just leave a message here.

To Celebrate my 100th Entry...

I'd like to tell all Zero fans that I actually sat down and worked on Book 2 today. I worked on it all day...and I'll probably have dreams in Japanese tonight....*sigh* This book is proving to be a bit harder than the last...the boys use such rough language and slang, it's hard for me to pick through it sometimes....The occasional zinger can stump me for a good hour...

I may get around to posting the first few scans of Book 2 next week. It's probably a definite, considering I won't have anything to do since my car will be in the shop for Lord knows how long...Heck, I may get the whole book translated...*laughs*

Anyway, it's late...time for Wolf's Rain...and my butt is asleep from sitting in this chair.

Zero Quote

Geo: What the hell are you doing?! That's the dead guys stuff!
(Batsu rips robe off of a skeleton and starts going through it's pockets)

Batsu: Well, since he's dead, I figured he wouldn't be needing his things anymore. When you think about, there's not much of a choice between necessity and needlessness.

(Batsu tosses gun and pulls out a knife)
Batsu:When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?

*BTW: I love Batsu...he's so funny*

Car Trouble

Why is it, when I'm doing my best to save money, something shitty happens to me. First it's the PS2, now it's my stupid, figgin car.

I'm so mad right now, it's not even funny.

I just started my damn vacation and my car starts acting like shit. Dammit...I don't have the money to throw at fixing my car! Not right now! I have a lay off coming in three months (or less). If I have to spend 1,000 bucks on my stinking car, I'm doomed....No christmas, no Hunter's Birthday, no picking up my medical perscriptions...nada...nunca...nothing...All my money will go to paying my carpayment and insurence...and God forbid anything else happen during that time....

Shit...

This happened last year too. Luckily, my car was under warrenty and it was paid for. But this year....I dunno...I don't think it's still warrentied...I'll guess I'll find out when I take it in on Monday.

So needless to say, I've spent the past ten minutes canceling any Amazon orders I had out (there weren't very many) and a couple of Christmas orders too. I hated to do that, but if I need every dime I have, then so be it.

I hate cars. I bought a new one so I wouldn't have this trouble. I rarely feak about things, but car trouble really gets me going. So, I suppose I'm over reacting a bit about this, without even knowing what's wrong, but I can't help it...When it comes to cars, my luck is nothing but BAD...

...and I'm sick of it...

What the hell will I do if they tell me it's like 2000 grand to fix? I don't have that kind of cash...Take out a friggin loan? Sheesh.... I'll just park the stupid thing and drive my dad's beat up old pick up, I suppose...if he'll let me, that is...

*sigh*

Just give me a frickin car that runs! For the love of God....please....*insert ranting and raving along with shaking fist, etc.*

Boy, you screwed up Sasuke...(spoilers)

As most people know, I'm a big fan of Naruto. I love the TV show and I love the manga. It's probably my second favorite show after Full Metal Alchemist. Sasuke, the angsty little jerk has had my total support up until the past dozen chapters or so...but now, I can't wait to see him get his ass handed to him...

And it's coming...

Here's a run down of the latest chapter in simplest terms...since I feel the need to comemorate this event:

(Ha ha Naruto...You must die so I can become stronger than my scary brother)

(Wha...)

(...oh shit...)

We shall see what happens next week. Sasuke has a few trump cards yet to play, but in the face of Kyuubi (we haven't seen him this strong before), I'm not sure even those will work. Stupid Sasuke can only pray Kakashi finds them both soon, or Naruto can control Kyuubi long enough to "just break his (Sasuke's) arms and legs". Looks like little Uchiha wasn't the only one who had something special...He always did wonder where Naruto got his strength...

Seceret's out now, isn't it...(literally)

We'll see what happens next week....

ナルトの人気を恐れろ。。。

そだ。。。怖いね。。。

ナルトの映画はハリー・ポッターとFarenheight 911を克服して、先週末#1スポットを受けとれました。
リンク

アルとはDBZよりポピュラーですか？　ＯｎｅＰｅｉｃｅも？　鋼の錬金術師も？

うそ。。。（Ｏ＿Ｏ）

とにかく。。。祝賀、ナルト！！！　がんばってよ！

Stuff

Hmmm...I don't have anything totally compelling to talk about today. I'm bored out of my mind, but have little energy to do much. Friday can't get here fast enough. I imagine I'll be bolting out the door of work Friday afternoon, praising the heavens for a week of total solidarity and relaxation. No customers! No whiny techs! No stupid CSR's! Yeah!!!! I'm on V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!!!

Okay, so I'm jumping ahead of myself a bit. I'll be excited on Friday, providing I survive those last two days...

I did write a review of Grandia the other day, but my Firefox froze and I lost the whole thing. I didn't feel like doing it over...maybe some other time.

I may have to buy myself a new PS2 soon...like next week...If that's the case, it will be my third one...Which kinda ticks me off, but then again, when I sit down to play a game, I sit down and play. We're talking an all day event...*laughs* My record is 15 hours in one day...Sad, but true...But what can you expect of someone who is trapped in a house, on a lay off from work, earning 90 bucks a week from Unemployment? Hmmm? I'll sit on my ass and play video games, thank you very much.

That brings me to another topic to bitch about. Unemployment. What a stupid faction of the WA state government. They piss me off. I can't figure out for the life of me, how I make so little when myself and my company pay so much into it....it utterly baffels me. I'll make more this year, since my old claim will close again in November, but still....I'll be lucky to bring home 150 bucks after taxes...How the hell do they manage to tax money that has already been taxed? And what's this shit about me having to look for a friggin job? I have a damn job. I get laid off for two months each year and I always go back. I work 10 hours a week to keep my benifits, yet they still try to tell me I need to do a job search, even though I'm still employed by my company....Shit on them...I pay for that damn money they try to keep me from collecting....so just shut the hell up and give it to me. I'm not some construction worker or union laborer. I'm not a farm worker. I'm not some shlub who sits on their ass until their claim runs out because their too lazy to work...and who gives a shit if they do sit on their ass. They paid for that money....when it runs out, well...they better buck up and find a job...I hate how Unenjoyment makes life difficult....I look forward to my two months of bliss. I want to sit on my ass and recover from the stress and anxiety of my stupid job...I NEED TO SIT ON MY ASS...if not, I'll probably kill someone. After a nice rest, I'm ready to go back to my job and deal with all our stupid customers, stupid corporation rules, stupid everything...Unenjoyment needs to take a step back and realize that not everyone is in the same boat...not everyone will be laid off with out any idea of when they'll go back to work. I know when I'll go back. I always go back....technically, I never leave....

As you can see, I'm still pretty cranky. I'm still sick...though feeling much better than earlier. I haven't been able to go the gym for two weeks, but next week I'll be back I believe. If I'm not coughing up a lung...I hate being sick...and I get sick all the friggin time.

Anyway, the PS2 thing bothers me. I'm trying to save money for lay off. Hoping to have enough in the bank to cover two car payments and a handful of other bills. I've cut spending on DVD's and manga to a great extent...and while I'd sell my soul to replace a broken PS2...I keep hoping it will hold out until at least Feb. Income taxes come back then...no problem getting a new one then....

Well....I've whined enough for today....next time I might come back with something interesting to say....

Well...I WAS rooting for them...

The Iraqi soccar team, that is...but after reading this
I find myself hoping that they lose...badly. Honestly, I'm not sure what pisses me off more, the stupid reporter who obviously went fishing for what he wanted to hear, or the thankless comments from several players. I mean, "If I wasn't here, I'd be fighting for the resistance." WTF?! That dumbass is there because of our "occupation". Oh, an not to mention he no longer has to worry about being tortured for sucking, as he did in the past. And we are killing thousand of Iraqis? So, I suppose those "resistance fighters" aren't killing innocents either, eh? Seems to me like they honestly don't give a shit who they shoot, just so long as they're shooting SOMEONE. Why aren't they pissed at Iran as much as they are at us? Hmmm? You've got to be a total moron to think that the Iranians and Syrians aren't just pouring over the borders there? Every friggin Jihadist in the ME is going to Iraq now, but it's AMERICA who is the worst of them all. Yeah, I suspect all those "resistance fighters" are just pouring the dough into the country and lending a hand at the local hospital or school these days. I bet they've got truck loads of medicine and supplies just lined up for the civilians they're shooting randomly. Too bad they stole it all. Heh, I imagine they're even trying to help fix the power problem...OH WAIT...they're bombing generators, right? Silly me...but that's all OUR fault too...right...? Oh, if we'd never shown up this wouldnt' have happened...I agree...Saddam would have just kept killing people...then his even crazier sons would have taken over...killed a lot more people...and I should give a shit, why? We had no business being over there, but we went...now EVERYONE needs to deal with it...the entire WORLD has fucked this one up...not just the US....I mean, I'm not a genius or anything, but even I know that all this stupid finger pointing and pouting going on between world leaders isn't helping the problem much....And we elect these people? To do what?

Anyway...

This guy deserves his own opinion, just like every other human being on the planet...but there's a time and a place for everything, let alone, the use of tact...The dumbass could have avoided the question or worded his answer differently, instead of telling an AMERICAN Magazine that he would gladly be killing our soliders if he wasn't at the Olympics right now...And that stupid ass reporter, Gary Wahl...Write about sports, nimrod, and stay out of politics...You can rest assured I won't be buying any SI issues anymore...

I've hovered between the right and wrong of our involvement with these people. There are some decent, hardworking, life loving people in Iraq...people who want and deserve to be free. People who are willing to help further their country and stop looking back...However, the more I read and learn, the more angry I get...So many of them are like crying babies, spoiled kids screaming "I want this NOW" why isn't this working "NOW". Like a friggen government can be rebuilt in less than a year...sheesh...Oh, and if people would stop harboring those damn terrorist, this would be over real quick...Or better yet, why not get off your asses and do something about them? They bitch about the US military then when the terrorists get out of hand, they pitch a fit about that too...Gawd...The more I look at it, the more I see a bunch of lazy people wanting everything handed to them...None of the want to do ANYTHING....

Okay, that's not entirely true...there are many people who are helping to rebuild things, fight crime and terrorists, etc. However, I believe they are the small minority. I feel for those who are enthusiastic about the idea of a new Iraq...but I find myself leaning more to the "Let them stew in their own juices" opinion...

Also, I'd like to say Bush is a jackoff for trying to use the Iraqi soccar team as a politcal tool. What a friggin asshole...As much as their comments pissed me off, Bush had no right to "steal their thunder".

Honestly, between Bush, Kerry, and the Iraqi people, I personally think they should all be dumped on some island where their stupidity won't infect the rest of the world....

So, who am I voting for this year?

That sign-language gorilla in the San Deigo Zoo....

Getbackers:DVD 1

I apologize for my lateness in this next entry...well, not really...I was sick and didn't feel like writing anything. I'm feeling better, but the reminants of an upper respiratory infection, sinus infection, and ear infection have left me tired and cranky. I should have realized I was so sick when I started having a migrane last Friday...oh well...Drugs and antibiotics have left me feeling better, though my mood is still fairly sub-par...

Anyway....

Today I managed to pick up the box and first volume of "Getbackers". It's a title I've been waiting to get my hands on for a long time. I've seen all the episodes via fansub before it was licensed and was overjoyed when I heard it would be making a NA release.

Getbackers is a fantastic show, and I have little to complain about. I wish the series would have been a little more in depth, but as we all know, the transition from manga to anime isn't always a smooth one. Very few shows can pull it off. Still, despite the minor plotholes and inconsistancies, Getbackers doesn't fail to entertain.

The show explodes with interesting characters, each different and unique in their own way. Everyone has a story to tell, a mission to accomplish along the way. Even the "bad guys" are interesting and hardly cliche. I mean, where else can you find a mass murdering villian bringing the hero a fruitbasket in the hospital and being sincere about it. *laughs* (that was a GREAT episode)

The story revolves around Ban and Ginji, the Getbackers. They run a business that involves the retreival of personal items and such. The claim 100 percent success rate and to go at all cost to return what is lost, whatever it may be. Of course, sometimes the two of them bite off more than they can chew...and are always met with opposition. Despite the high fee they charge, the boys often find themselves penniless, thanks to Ban's bad habit of illegal parking and their need to eat expensive food...so they are constantly looking for work. Any work...

Being a retrieval specialist isn't easy...many of the missions are dangerous and they are often met with harsh opposition and forced to battle fierce enemies. Ban doesn't seem to mind violence much, considering his grip emits about 200kg of power and he can snap a persons neck clean off their head if he wants to. Also, he has the strange ability to force people to see a dream, which only lasts one minute and can only be used three times a day and never on the same person twice. Ginji, on the other hand, doesn't care much for violence, perhaps because he'd seen enough of it in his past. However, when cornered or angered, Ginji's fury can be...well...quite "shocking". (okay, bad pun) Like electric eels, Ginji's body is geared to emit electrical charges, sometimes more than 200,000 volts at a time. In his past, he was called the "Lightening Emporer" and was feared.

As the duo completes mission after mission, they start to find themselves surrounded by an odd group of companions. Former enemies, friends turned enemies and then friends again, customers that seem to be drawn to them, etc. Ban and Ginji attract people, and suddenly the "Getbackers" becomes more than just the two of them (though Ban would never admit it).

It isn't until later episodes that the plot of the story is revealed and mysteries start to fill in the pieces of themselves. Where did Ban get his power. What's the deal with Ginji and his past? Who are all these people surrounding him? The list goes on.

My impression of the dub was a shock. I really don't expect too much from ADV. They are often and "hit or miss" company, meaning some of their dubs are great, while others just royally suck big time. Getbackers is one of the best I've heard from them. The scripting, the voices, everything seems to fall right into place. My only complaint would be that Kazuki sounds too much like a woman, but that's over lookable. He sounded like a woman in the Japanese version too, but since my ears are tuned to English, I notice it more....*laughs* I'll get used to it.

Overall, Getbackers is a fun and exciting show. The humor is halarious, a few episodes left me with sideaches from laughing so hard. The cliffhangers aren't that agonizing, but the battles are incredibly well done. They certainly didn't jip us on the action scenes like they did in Saiyuki or Kenshin...Oh, and the artwork is amazing, meaning this show is very easy on the eyes.

Go pick it up...and if you're skeptical, at least rent it to see exactly how good this show really is.

Tales of Symphonia

It's been awhile since I reviewed a videogame. Then again, it's been awhile since I found one that was so much fun!

I'm a sucker for RPG games, I love them, and I tend to stick to that particular genre. Tales of Symphonia is a fantastic RPG, with many unique componants that make the game incredibly entertaining.

Firstly, the art work is incredible. The opening scene starts with a beathtaking anime feature designed by Kosuke Fujishima, known for his work of Oh! My Goddess, Sakura Wars, and You're Under Arrest. The characters inside the gameplay are cell shaded, something I'm not normally too fond of, but somehow, it works well in this game. In fact, I hardly notice it at all. The towns are beautifully designed, made complext by 3-D animation. The colors are bright and catchy, even the world map, which I happen to enjoy depsite it's blandness (not much going on there, but it is just a world map, after all). Occasionally, events will dictate a conversation between several characters, and their hand drawn, anime counter parts take the screen. I just love the character designs in the game. They are astoundingly creative and individualistc.

The voice acting deserves mention too. It's not the calibur of Natoe in 7 Samurai, but it's close. There's very little over acting of lines, the voices aren't corney, nor are the irritating. The producers managed to put together a great cast for this game. I hope the trend continues.

This game is a "busy" game. There is often several things going on at once and it's up to you to take care of everything, which is why I like it so much. There's always something to do...whether it be naming dogs, looking for the mysterious chef that hides in the towns, running errands, completing puzzels, or just furthering the story line...your never bored.

Fighting consists of four players, though your party may be more than that. AI controls the characters that you aren't fighting with. By default, you control the main character, but during battle can switch to control which ever of the four party members you choose. All battles become a melee of chaos. It's important to balance tech points and regular attacks to win the fights (if you run out of TP you can't do your most powerful moves), and on occasion it can be difficult to keep up with everything that is going on. Camara angles are a bit iffy and annoying at times, but it's really quite trite in comparison to all the other great aspects of this game.

Puzzels in this game are fun. Usually I hate the puzzel aspects of games, since many producers make them too damn hard. However, TofS manages to hit a nice balance of not too hard and not too easy. Most puzzels revolve around certain shrines and these places caused "Human Ranches". Solving each puzzel is an important key in the story....

Speaking of story, we all know that no rpg would be worth crap if the story sucked. TofS has an incredible story. Not Xenosaga incredible, but it is unique and interesting in it's own right. There are several different plots going on all at once. Every character has their own story and mysteries which need to be solved, though the main story revolves around the destruction of two worlds that vie for each other's mana and a lone girl who is deserprate to save them.

TofS is a long game. I've logged nearly 60 hours and haven't made it to the second disk yet. I have no doubt I'll love this game to the end. It's worth the money and time I've spent on it, and I recommend all RPG fans to give it a shot...

(Now...I want to get my hands on the new Star Ocean! Out on 8/31!!!)

FMA is NOT for kids!!!!

My Otaku friend has shown up again...donning to otaku logic and even calling ME an otaku! *laughs* When I was new to anime fandom, there was a time I started down the road to Otakudom, but I saw the light and ran like hell...Thank goodness!

Anyway...

Here's what he/she had to say today, after my post about those stupid, whiney, FMA fans irked him/her:

Erm... yeah. You have an interesting way of making people feel welcome. And if I'm an otaku then you are too because you also download fansubs and watch them in Japanese instead of English.

Are you new to anime fandom? I'm obviously not an otaku. And who ever said I JUST watched subtitled anime? If you bothered to read, I pointed out earlier that I PREFER DUBS...but I'll watch subtitled anime if the dub sucks, or if it's not availible in english yet. Doing this doesn't make me an otaku. See, this is what otaku do. They only see what they want to see, and think it makes their argument infallible. Go HERE to learn why it is so bad to be an otaku. You might get help before it's too late.

And yes, I am a bit harsh...but I'm sick of seeing otaku insanity everywhere. Message boards are flooded with crap like "This show isn't for kids", "All dubs suck", "They changed such and such", etc...I'm not going to explain why, since I've touched on all of this stuff NUMEROUS TIMES. Otaku have no common sense. They ruin fandom. If you don't like what I have to say, don't come to my blog and post the crap that obviously pisses me off...Really, I don't like being mean, but stuff like this just really irritates me.

In any case I am glad that you brought up Kenshin because you couldn't have picked a worse example to say that animes are all kids' shows. It ran on CN- heavily censored. And it still got good ratings, enough to sustain it. But then it got cancelled- why?

But if Ruroni is a kid's show made for children, why didn't children watch it in numbers and why did so many older audiences watch it in their stead instead?

Oh? So Kenshin wasn't created for children? Then why did the manga run in 少年ジャンプ？A magazine that serializes young boys comics?

And why did it do so poorly even after it was put on late night CN? Hmm? Because Kenshin is a niche show. It didn't appeal to kids OR adults here in the US due to it's very Japanese theme. That's why. While anime fans could relate, the general public couldn't　（the Japanese aren't the only people who are Xenophobic). I believe that was stated as well, and CN made a wise business decision. The shows they put on CN need to appeal to everyone, and Kenshin was proof that just because something is popular with the small market of anime fans, it wasn't popular for the mass majority, hence, your comment on "They dumped it". Also, you may want to look at what aspect of Adult Swim is doing better in the ratings. Last I heard, it wasn't the anime block...

Oddly, I'm a bit surprised Inu Yasha has done as well as it has, with it's awful scripting and obvious Japanese tone. Then again, unlike Kenshin, which was a historically based manga with various plots that involved people and events that are a big part of Japanese culture and history (Okita and Saitou were real people, so was Sanosuke Sagara...also, the Tokyo Harbor event happened during the war, and the Shinsengumi and Ishinshishi were real groups), Inuyasha seems to prevail on it's "Fantasy theme". Demons, time travel, magic, etc. People here like that kind of stuff and are willing to overlook the "Japaneseness" of the show. Oh, Inu Yasha is a HUGE hit with the kiddies in Japan...just like FMA, Naruto, and One Piece (which rivals Dragonball over there).

The general population in the US wants to see stuff like Dragon Ball Z, Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star, Wolf's Rain, Trigun, One Piece, Shaman King, etc. See the theme? Shows that have very little reference to Japanese culture and themes...sad but true. So no, Kenshin wasn't a poor choice for me to make. It was made for children, IN JAPAN...I'll say that again...IN JAPAN...Japanese children...just because big kids here in the US like it doesn't change that one bit...

BTW...I never ever said all anime are kids shows. Stop putting words in my mouth. I said FMA, Naruto, Kenshin, and the like target kids, which is true, no matter how much you try to deny it. I'd be hard pressed to say a show such as Texnolyze is appropriate for children...or something as complicated as Kino's Journey (a show that is far more emotionally deep and introspective that FMA can ever hope to be)...shows like these target an older audience, usually teens.

I'm expecting One Piece to do well in the US. I think kids will like it. It's a kids show too. Plus, it's about pirates (one very goofy pirate *heh*), and kids here will be able to relate to something like that better than a bunch of samurai. Still, I could be wrong, since this is the day and age of robots and technology and kids may not be too interested....*shrug*

Another interesting tidbit for all the otaku out there....your fooling yourself is you think Japanese adults are crowding around televisions to watch anime shows. Especially shows like FMA, Naruto, Kenshin, etc...Doesn't happen folks...sorry...They view their cartoons much like we view ours. For thier kids...

As to why do our kids not like some shows that come from Japan? The answer is so obvious...Upbringing. Kids in the US are brought up on cartoons like Scooby Doo, Jabber Jaw, looneytoons, etc. These shows require very little thought and no interaction. Though certain programs are starting to break that trend (Dragon Ball, Yugioh, Teen Titans, Justice League etc.), but they are still shows that require very little thinking. (Another reason Kenshin failed on CN) Television doesn't think that children in the US are capable of remembering a show past the 30 minute time slot (4Kids stated this as did CN). We think our kids are stupid, and we bring them up to be that way. They simply aren't interested in watching shows with complex themes, ongoing plots, etc., because they are not conditioned to do so. Only when they get older do they gain interests in deeper shows...another sad truth. (My son, thankfully, has been watching all sorts of cartoons since he was small, anime included. He loves longer, complicated programs like FMA and Naruto, but he also likes simple showes like Ed, Edd, and Eddie and Grim and Andy. His conditioning to television was very different from other children here in the US.)

When I say that I believe kids would love shows like FMA and Naruto, I still have no doubt that they'd be popular if the trend continues to change and our kids are exposed to interesting, more complicated shows, which is exactly what is happening (as I stated above). They are, after all, shows made for children...just because Americans underestimate thier kids doesn't change that fact. With proper conditioning and a loosening of television laws, shows like FMA and Naruto would be a big hit here too.

What the Japanese show their children compared to what we show our children is very, very different. Violence and nudity in cartoons is okay over there (though they have limits too), while here it's taboo. Parents in the US are too lazy to teach their kids reality and morality at an early age. They expect schools, television shows, and major media to do it for them...so any show for children that require some thought and explaination isn't welcome here (infact, it's considered BAD), something no otaku seems to consider.

Bottom line:

FMA is a show made for children. Just because adults in a different country happen to love the show doesn't change that fact. Kids in the US (and other countries) are perfectly capable of loving it too but social structure dictates restriction.

Why does it bother you so much that this show (and many others) are made for kids? What's the big deal? Are you embarrassed for liking a show for children? Is this just a way to try and rationalize your insecurities?

Like I said before. It's okay for adults to like cartoons. It's no one's business but your own. If people talk shit to you about it, screw 'em. I'm 28 and I love cartoons! I'm not ashamed, so you shouldn't be either. Just stop with the otaku drivel. It's incredibly irritating. Nothing is worse than an otaku...Otaku are narcissistic...they lack any common sense what so ever...they make fandom impossible for sane, normal people...

A great article on ...why anime(otaku) suck.

(Oh, No...this certainly isn't targeting children...I'm sure every adult is just rushing to get this nifty piece of merchandise)

(A toy obviously made for adults)

(I'm sure this was a big hit with the 'salary men' in Japan too)

Oh, look more Keshin TOYS for your mom!!!.

(FMA Trading Cards for Grandma and her friends!)

Every grown up should have a set of chibi Naruto Figurines!!!.

(The newest office apparel!)

If you want to see how many more items are out there, just waiting for those silly adults to go buy and play with, do a Google search for "___________ Toys". You'll be amazed at what comes up. (I came up with some great christmas ideas! So I DIDN'T waste my time arguing with an otaku!)

見て!見て!　おたくだよ！(Lookie! Lookie! It's an otaku!)

（＾－＾）

I got my first visit an otaku today! An "offended" otaku! Imagine my surprise! (yes, this is sarcasim) Apparently, I'm wrong about FMA being a kids show...It wasn't made for kids...It was made for adult otaku here in the US and kids really shouldn't watch it because it's too violent and has religious themes they obviously can't handle. (Okay, so no, the otaku visitor didn't say THAT, but you all get my point). Oh, BTW...Bugs Bunny was orginally made for ADULTS...and even poor bugs was subjected to censorship due to racial and political issues....

Good grief...You want religous themes and violence, turn on CNN. That shit is disturbing...

Thank God I can ban people and delete posts, though I won't do that unless I'm feeling particularly bitchy...*smile*

Anyway...moving along to more important matters...

なぜ、まだ目が覚めていますか？　なぜ？なぜ？なぜ？　（＞－＜）　3amです。私は疲れていますけど私は眠ることができまないよ。。。クソ！！！

Ｔｒａｎｓｌａｔｉｏｎ：Why am I still awake...why why why? It's 3am and I'm tired, but I can't sleep.　Dammit.

I have to be up by at least 7am...I've tried to go to sleep but I can't. I just toss and turn. Thankfully, I did take a "nap"...from about 7-12, which is probably my problem. It's also figgin hot...It's still 70 degrees outside. Tomorrow the temp should be between 106-110...NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway...I might as well do something constructive while I'm awake. Playing Xenosaga crossed my mind, but lost it's appeal quickly...I've played it three times. For those of you who are Xenosaga fans, Part II will be out Feb. 2005. I wish it was sooner, but oh well...

Tomorrow the Olympics starts. I'm excited. I love the Olympics! I like watching all the "non-popular" sports. Sure Baseball and Basketball are cool (Football just plain sucks ass IMO), but I'd much rather watch things like Tennis, Equestrian, biking, martial arts, swimming, gymnastics, track and field, etc. I am a bit miffed that the USA has been asked not "not flag wave" this year. That pisses me off and I say screw 'em. Sure, show some tact, but celebrate any victories! I'm sick of all the Anti-American sentiments. The Olympics is a sporting festival, not a war...and personally, I think politics have no place there. If people are pissed because of Iraq, leave it at home, shut up, and enjoy the events.

We can thank our politicians for most of the Anti-Americanism, but I also hold the closed minded individuals of the world responsible too. You know who they are...the ones that sit in front of their TV's while thier media feeds bullshit after bullshit into thier already soppy brains. "All Americans are evil war mongers" is the mantra...and suddenly, everyone in the world becomes and expert on the American people and way of life. It makes me laugh, sometimes, but other times it pisses me off. Certainly, our military actions are the worlds business...I have no qualms about that...but our elections are OUR buisness and no one elses...

Bush might be re-elected. It's very likely. But the more I think about it, the more I begin to ponder the situation...Will Kerry leave those poor Iraqi people all alone after we tore down their country and let all those freaks pour in? What will the world say about us then? If we pull out, like they all want, what will happen? Will the French step in? Not likely...The Germans...hardly...The UN? Don't make me laugh...

But on the other side of the coin...what the hell do we do to beat these suicidal idiots? I can see no hope, honestly...and part of me says just leave the Middle East alone...let them kill each other...but that seems so heartless. There are good people there. People who just want to live their lives. Any human deserves that right...to live without fear...But how do you teach that to a culture who knows nothing about human rights, freedom, and respect for fellow man? I don't think it's possible...I think people have the learn that on their own...and we can't force them too, nor should we...

As for Sudan...I feel sorry for the genocide going on there...it's horrible. However, the UN is posing sanctions again and I had to laugh. What the hell is that going to do? It worked real well on Saddam, didn't it folks? Who's going to get hurt by the sanctions? The government? Not likely...they'll take it out on their people...Then, of course, the UN states that US forces may be sent there....WTF?! Like we aren't busy already...send someone else. Send the Frenchies...the Germans...someother nation who's sitting around on it's ass being armchair critics...Surely they won't protest, considering the decision for troop deployment comes from the UN and not the US...The UN seriously pisses me off...so does many of the other countries in the world...they cry about American's being violent, but when it comes time to send troops who do they turn to? We should just say NO...sorry, it's someone elses turn...

Oh, I know it's because we have a large military...because our country has money...because we are the worlds current "superpower"...but that doesn't mean the entire responisbility falls on us. Other nations need to ante up and stop bitching...There are some serious issues going on in the world, and it's going to take ALL of us working together to find a solution...nothing is going to be solved by all the damn finger pointing going on...

Well...I've whined enough today...I'm going to see if I can't go back to sleep for a couple hours...but not likely....

Hot...

It's hot...too hot....I hate it...

I'm still complaining about our broiling summers, despite the fact the temp has actually dropped below 90 for today. I'm surprised, but then again, there isn't any cloud cover to keep the heat trapped in tonight, and for that I'm thankful. As desert ecosystems tend to go, nights are often surprisingly cool, occasionally downright chilly...if there's no cloud cover.

The heat only peaked at 100 today in town. Out in the Hanford area (the heart of no where), it reached 102. However, I'm dreading the next couple days, as the forcast predicts for us temp over 100, and worse, bordering 110 degrees. Tomorrow is expected to be at least 103-105....but Friday and Saturday will be the killers...with temps predicited at about 106-110 or more (take into consideration that our average humidity during the day is between 20-25 percent, occasionally it will drop even lower, depending on the heat index).

I keep telling myself there's only about four more weeks left of the summer hell. It doesn't bring me much relief though. Not when I sit at work where we have no central airconditioning, but instead two large swamp coolers that only drop the temps down about 10 degrees from what it is outside. Not that it helps much, since the coolers add an oppressive, sufficating humidity you'd only find in the most crocidile infested bayous of Louisiana...The irony is, the hotter it gets outside, the more humid it gets inside, and I'm left with the delema of pondering which is the worser of two evils...broiling to death or being steamed....

I find if slightly amusing that in many places, summer is revered for the clear skies, bright sunlight, heat, etc. Commercials on television show people boating, fishing, bbqing, etc...But I wonder where these people are? Not here. As I drove into town today, I noticed how bare the streets were. Rush hour had barely ended and the traffic was practically non-exisitant. There were a few people on the water of the Columbia. Young kids, with coolers full of beer and no fear of heat stroke or skin cancer....foolish people who enjoy the pain of sunburn and exhaustion and dehydration....Everyone else had gone home, or was rushing home to escape the miserable weather. I wanted nothing more than to go home, but I had nearly an hour to kill before I had to pick Hunter up from his Tae Kwon Do classes, so I went to the nearby Best Buy to look at DVD's, instead of waiting in my car like I usually do. No way in hell I was sitting in the car for an hour outside...You know it's hot when the crows have come down from the trees to sit in absolute shade and you can see them all PANTING...

You think I'd be used to desert life. Having been desert born and bred. I've seen 28 of these summers and as a child, I imagine I didn't mind them much. Grandma had a swimming pool. As I got older, however, I came to hate them, as I do now. I want nothing to do with the heat and from the months of June to Sept. I will refuse to spend anytime outside between 12pm and 8pm...Sleeping is nearly impossible of occasion...Which makes me incredibly irritable.

Despite the heat, I do love where I live. I love the summer sunsets and the sunshine. But I only love the sunshine when it's not bearing down on my town. High 80's is pleanty hot enough for me, but unfortunatly we only see that for about two months in the spring and and three in the fall. I imagine that's why I love those particuar seasons so much. Fall and spring...they make me happy.

I can tell fall is around the corner. It's in the air. I can smell it in the mornings. It's sweet and nostalgic, bringing back memories of the times when I was leaving for the first day of school as a kid. Today, I could almost hear the school bus coming around the corner. I can't wait until the first frost hits, and then the leaves suddenly change. It's amazing, to wake up in the morning and look outside to a world full of crystaline white as the dew has totally frozen on the grass and plants. It's beautiful. The mornings are so chilly you have to wear a jacket or sweater, but the afternoons warm up nicely and it's still okay to have a short sleeved shirt or tank top on. That's what fall is like around here.

Only four more weeks (give or take a few)....

(This is what Washington State looks like on the east side. It's a big joke around here that they call WA "The Evergreen State".)

(Sunsets here are beautiful...We can thank all the dust in the air for that, so I suppose it's not all that bad...)

(My poor dog...I really feel for him with that fluffy fur coat he has on. He seems to manage though, by digging large holes under our arbovite and laying in them.)

Ethics of Fan Subs: A Fansubber's opinion

I found a wonderful post over at Lunar anime today, regarding the "ethics" of fansubs. For the longest time, fansubbing has been a "grey area" in the anime world. Some people agree some people don't, but it all boils down to the fact that in the end, it is illegal. Of course, our Otaku friends don't agree...they feel that anime is "owed" to them and therefore, stealing anime is okay. They even take it a bit further, making demands of these groups that work hard to share the newest(and occasionally oldest) cartoons released in Japan. They bitch about wording, simple mistakes, translations that they can only compare to other fan subbers because they only know a handful of Japanese words, and the length of time it takes a group to release a series. Once again, our relentless otaku never shut the hell up.

What makes them even worse that all the above complaints is that many of them have no plans to buy legit releases once they hit the states. Nope, they want their cartoons for free! Screw paying for them! They have all sorts of excuses ranging from "The professionals don't know what they're doing and mess up the translations," to "They don't put enough episodes per disk on the DVD's so I won't pay for it." Of course, none of them seem to realize that a professional company is professional for a reason, not the mention the fact that they are a BUSINESS...it's their job to make money. All Otaku should take courses in economics and business....IN JAPANESE!!! (heh) Anyway, this justifies their "stealing" in some way or another, because in otaku world they make the rules up as they go.

Do I watch fansubs? Yup. I am guilty and hypocritical here...but at least I buy the US releases when they come out. I'm all for supporting the businesses that work hard to bring import movies, cartoons, books, etc to the US. And while fansubbing is illegal in a sense, I have to thank the subbers for letting me veiw a few shows that I would never have looked at twice....Shows like Full Metal Alchemist, Samurai Champloo, Aishiteruze Baby, Shura no Toki, Tenjou Tenge, etc. I am eagerly awaiting their US releases so I can buy the DVD's!

Anyway, our fansubber in question brings to light many of these points and tells up how the otaku poison has spread into the fansubbing circles. Otaku are now building their own groups, releasing awful subs (I've seen a few myself), releasing licensed material, and creating great discord among the anime community (just visit one of their forums to see what I mean). Fansubbing is no longer a way to promote a show getting licensed, it's become a popularity contest throughout the web and the leechers have become insensitive, unappriciative, and occasionally downright hostile. How sad that is, because despite the legalities of fansubbing, I have no doubt in my mind that companies watch fansubbers for popular shows. It's a great way to gauge how well a show will do among the niche market (FMA and Getbackers pop into my mind here).

This problem will never be fixed...an unfortunate truth. As more and more Japanese cartoons and comics are brought over, more and more otaku are born. The more whining, sniviling, bickering, irrationality we'll have to put up with...and I imagine we'll see the quality of fansubs fall even further as more licensed material remains availble, as translations go out the window since all otaku think they know perfect japanese, as they fight amongst each other to gain the psuedo title of "Grand Fansubber"....*sigh*

I can only place my hope in the companies who release legit. Many of them are decent, hard working companies that do a good job. Of course, there are dubs that suck (Inu Yasha, Generator Gawl, Saiyuki), but there are also bad movies too (Spiderman 2). It's the nature of the beast. Not everything will be perfect. At least with legit anime, I can watch the sub version if I find the dub below par (usually, for me, this means the english scripting sucks, not the voices). Episode count can be annoying, but that too, is part of business...if you don't like the episode count (such as Inu Yasha), just wait for the box sets (which is what I'm doing). There are always options...too bad otaku are all a bunch of greedy, spoiled brats...

The Purists Begin their Sniveling...

FMA fans are nearly as bad as Naruto fans IMO...well, that might be streaching just a bit, but none the less, both groups are incredibly irritating. They clog message boards with rediculous posts, they idealize their shows as "not for kids" (Heh...my 9 year old watches BOTH of them, morons), they cry about American distribution. They just never shut up with the whining, fighting, and crying...UGH...

Stupid otaku...

Firstly, I am a HUGE fan of both these shows, but FMA owns Naruto...PERIOD. It's by far the best anime show I've ever seen and if want to know why I think so, scroll down to May and read the FMA post there. It's a kids show but adults will find it entertaining as well, though I doubt you'll see it on primetime anytime soon, considering the violence and religous themes would probably get soccar moms in the US a hissy fit or two. *shrug, who knows...I don't think it's THAT bad* However, FMA will be coming to late night cartoon network this fall (yay!), with probably a bit of editing, some song changes, and an English voice over (I just love Al's voice). Of course, this has got FMA otaku all riled up all over the place, as the day draws nearer (Oct/Nov), and now they make post after post, complaining about English voice over's they haven't heard yet, song changes they haven't sampled, edits that haven't happened....

Oh dear god...the insantity...Please make it STOP...

Why are anime fans so utterly rediculous and stupid? What is the matter with these people. I shouldn't let them get me so riled up but their hostility, their ineptitude to grasp common sense, their "my way or the highway" attitudes just makes me irritated. It's nearly impossible to hold a converstation with a fellow anime or manga fan (hence, I've given up trying). I have about three people I'll talk to about diffent shows and they are fantastic people (you know who you are)! But people like them are rare indeed is such a twisted, hostile fandom...

I think "Otaku Police" are a good idea. Sane, level headed, intellegent people to monitor anime/manga fandom in the US. If an otaku goes over board, confiscate his collection, take away his Japanese dictionary, and lock in a room with replays of the Teletubbies and Captain Planet.

It's about damn time!

The New Iraqi government has shut down Al Jazeera for 30 days and has ordered them to review their policies. I think I can hear a few Iraqi friends jumping up and down in joy all the way over here. ;-)

Of course, Al-Jazeera is raving about their right to free press, and in most cases, I'd agree with them. HOWEVER...this isn't most cases. Insighting violence, cooperating with terrorists, and overall hindering the peace-keeping efforts of the new IP is inexcusable. I think Sam, over at Hammorabi explains it best, while Ays expresses a blurb of joy at the news!
(More here)

I think all of us who aren't Iraqi's should shut up and listen for once....

Usually, news like this wouldn't interest me in the least, but after months of reading a dozen Iraqi blogs, I got very excited for them all when I found the arcticle! Their wish has come true! It's only for 30 days, but at this point in time, any ray of light is probably most welcomed! Stay strong, guys!

Now...if only we could force our press to actually give us unbiased, note worthy media....the world would be a happier place.... (>_<)

I'm not sure which is more dumb...

The genius who set up this stupid hoax, or the press for feeling the need to report something as stupid and rediculous as THIS. What is the matter with these people? It never ceases to amaze me how some people just HAVE to make a bad situation even worse. I certainly hope he comes face to face with one of the families who's son really did meet such a horrible end, perhaps they can put it into perspective for him, though I doubt it. Obviously this idiot doesn't have a concious or any common sense in his stupid little pin head....

He said he wanted attention and to show the world how easily faked these video's can be. Like we didn't already know that...However, when the army starts finding the heads without the bodies on the side of the road (or visa versa), I think that's a clear indication that there's no joke...Then again, I imagine he thinks that all those terrorists running about are fakes too...and that the holocaust never happened...

They should ship his ass over there....Heh...just hand him over...then he can have the real deal....

Stupid shithead....

Fire Fight in Mosul: A Soliders Perspective

CBFTW gives us a frightening rundown of what it was like to be in the middle of the Mosul conflict the other day. A truely terrifying entry. Somehow, after reading it, I felt very small and very afraid...

Operation Give Theft!!!!

Some scum bags have stolen $30,000 of Operation Give's money! Atlas Line refused to return the money after not following through on their part of a business agreement! Can you believe these people?

Yeah Baby! Bring it!

You know, the ups and downs of getting your body back in shape are hard enough. I did it once before, several years ago when Hunter was really small. I know how difficullt it is to regain muscle and lose flab. I know the job won't be easy. It'll be a challenge. It's a road plagued with self doubt, pitfalls, and roadblock after roadblock. But for the sake of my health, state of mind, and out of sheer boredom, I'm willing to work my ass off and have some fun doing it...

So why do people insist on being so demeaning and unsupportive? Not that it really matters what other people thing of my new found endevours, but still, it pisses me off when I hear criticisim from other people. You know, the knowing smirk and slight nod of the head. The shifting eyes as they look at someone else with that fake "Oh good for you" look. That kind of stuff makes me want to punch them right in the god damned face. Of course, I can't do that, but I am happy to say that this kind of crap makes me want to work even harder...It gets me majorly pissed and my "Oh yeah? You think you're so cool, eh? Well watch this" attitude kick into over drive. Keep the comments coming assholes (cause that's what you are), they feed me, they keep me going, they make me yearn for the day I can rub it in your face how wrong you were and how stupid you look now.

What got me so riled today? Hmmm....well, for one thing, someone said I was "too old" to take up any sort of martial art. They sort of laughed it off like I was a little kid with a starry-eyed dream. One comment I can take and shrug off, but when I heard from another person that someone else made the same comment, I got seriously pissed off. I don't think I would have got so angry about it, but the person is someone close to me, and in no better shape than I am, so who are they to criticise me? THAT is what got me going. First of all, have the balls to say it to my face. Second of all, don't throw stones in a glass house. I mean, when someone who is obviously NOT in shape starts making light of me, I find it hard to stomach the hypocrisy. Take a good long look in the mirror, cause I can see your love handles from here, honey...I can't wait to say that the next time I see this person. Heh...don't doubt that I won't either, I have no qualms about being downright mean to someone who's pissed me off...If you can't take it, don't dish it....

For those who think I'm too old for karate, tae kwon do, shodokan, or whatever...Do some research before you open your fat mouth. I've been on the internet since last week, looking into various dojo's, and you'll never guess what I found. People who are in the 30's, 40's and 50's doing martial arts! Wow, imagine that! It's NOT just a kids sport, I guess! (this is sarcasim for those of you who are to literal). The last time I checked, I was only 28...which isn't OLD at the least. I may be a bit out of shape right now, but I am by no means OLD...my body works just fine, thank you very much....Perhaps these retards should be worrying about their own bodies as they sit on the couch and stuff their faces full of chips?

Anyway, to sum this up in full....all I can say to people like this is....

Go to hell...I don't need the support of people like this, nor do I want it. In fact, keep it coming, baby, 'cause I'm gonna make you eat those words. Hope you like feeling stupid!

Genon is..............evil?

According to Dan over at animenation anyway. I suppose the topic is debatable, I happen to like Genon for the most part, but this entire thread is just proof of how stupid otaku are. (note how one idiot compares this "tragity to 9/11 and the holocaust...(@-@)...otaku are truely the epitomy of moronic).

People are pissed because Shonen Bat has become Lil Slugger....Ooookaay....What's the big deal? Shonen is used describe young boys while "bat" is obviously a baseball term (if you didn't know that, stop reading this post (>_<)). Normally name changes bother me too (like Honda to Tristan or Anzu to Tea or Ren to Lenny), but in this case, it makes sense to me...nothing to have a couple chickens over.

Obviously, the only way otaku would be happy is if everything was left in Japanese and we were all forced to watched subbed anime. Not that I don't like subbed anime, I watch it all the time, but if a dub is availble and is decent, I'd rather watch that. Anyway, I can't stand people like Dan and his comrades...to otaku like this, all things English are evil...and the only way a manga or anime is good is if it's left in Japanese...Don't they understand that SOME THINGS just don't sound right in a literal translation? Probably not...most otaku only THINK they know Japanese...they can bust out a few words like "kawaii, baka, ahou, kakkoi, sugee, etc," and suddenly they think they understand everything about culture and language. PLEASE... I've been learning the language and studying Japanese for two years, and I have yet to brush the surface! Reading manga and watching anime are fun suppliments to studying, but if you really want to understand Japan, pick up some text books and REAL learning tools! *fuming*

Translations will never be bang on...they would sound dumb if they were...Anyone who's sat down and translated Japanese to English knows this. That's why I trust a professional translator over any fansubber or scanlator any day. They do this stuff for a living...DUH...And yes, I understand that some companies ($KIDS) do screw with things on purpose and make some pretty retarded translation moves. Honestly, are they the norm though? I don't think so...

Dan and friends, you have an option...go buy the Japanese DVD's...then you'll have all the purity you can possibly have. You won't even have to put up with silly subtitles! Of course, you probably won't understand a lick of what's going on, but that's okay, you can still continue to pretend. Just stop the annoying, ear-grinding whining...get some damn perspective...learn some REAL Japanese...

And for the love of God...give the rest of us a break with your rediculous stupidity!!!

Non-Japanese can't draw "manga"

That's what you'll hear from the blathering otaku here in the US and across the world. If you aren't Japanese, you can't possibly draw manga.

In some aspects, I suppose that it true...Manga are Japanese comic books. They are drawn in Japan. They are distributed in Japan. So therefore, here in the US it would be impossible to create your own "manga."

Of course, you can create your own comic book! That's entire possible! Though you must have the time, money, skill, and time...and more time...and time...

Okay, seriously...Manga is just a comic book. It's like Spiderman, X-Men, Elfquest, etc. It's just created in Japan. The techinque and drawing styles are very different, but as a serious artist knows, it's possible to draw certain elements from others to enhance your performance. You think Picasso, Van Goh, or Monet weren't inspired by artifacts and other artists from the world? If you answer no, you're an idiot.

For those of us who understand art (which is what creating comics is about), we know that honing talent requires a person to draw all sorts of things and find something that is comfortable to them. In many art classes, instructors will have a student study various works of art and then have them create something of their own using those techinques. This is normal. This is common. This is okay.

So, for those who enjoy drawing "manga style" comics, there's nothing wrong with that. Don't listen to the frenizied otaku who think all things good and pure come from Japan (now I love Japan, this isn't a slam meant at the country or the people there). If you happen to be intreagued by Japanese style comics, study them, draw them, admire them! It's okay! Create your own style by practicing! There's nothing wrong with that!

However, don't just draw manga. Draw other things too. Try realistic drawings as well. Create sculptures (I love building things from junk). Study the elements of art so you understand them.

Most importantly, remember that not everyone is going to like what you do and they will criticize you. One of the main reasons I stopped posting fan art and other things on the net were because of the ungodly amount of morons lurking on forums. People who couldn't give constructive criticisim if it was posted on que cards...Most of these people don't have a lick of artistic talent (just look at the stuff they post) and are jealous. I apologize if this sounds concieted, but I'd like to point out that I am my worst critic. I HATE nearly every drawing or sculpture I do. In fact, I was so bad, my instructor in college would get so exhasperated with my constant complaints of the stuff I'd turn in he's actually ask me if I needed to fail. *laughs* Art classes are great. Take them. There, you will get honest, sincere critques from people who are just as scared and nervous as you. It will truely help you improve. I loved the critiquing in my art classes...I can't stand it on public forms. All you get is "OMG...that's so kawaii!" or "You need to keep practicing." Niether of these do an artist any good.

That being said, keep your chin up. Remember that art is about YOU...not about other people. Make sure you know the basic elements, practice, try new things, and listen to CONSTRUCTIVE people...It's possible if you put your mind to it.